The Philosophy of Suminagashi for Hailey:
Embracing Impermanence and the Flow of Life
Embracing Impermanence and the Flow of Life
Suminagashi (墨流し), translating to 'ink floating' in Japanese, is a traditional art form that originated in the 12th century in Japan, and has roots that trace back to China over 2000 years ago.. This mesmerizing practice involves floating ink on water to create intricate, swirling designs. These unique patterns are then captured on paper or fabric, immortalizing a singular, fleeting moment.
Artists have expanded their techniques over time, incorporating not just traditional Sumi-e inks, but also acrylic paints, achieving an even more diverse array of vibrant patterns. Using principles of fluid mechanics, they manipulate the floating pigments to create imagery that can range from repeating patterns, to landscapes or animals. This artform echo the universal appeal of similar art forms, such as Ebru or Turkish-style marbling.
As I immersed myself in the world of Suminagashi, it began to serve as a form of meditation, helping me to anchor myself in the present moment and embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences. By concentrating on the flow of inks on water, I can focus on the present moment. This attentiveness to each moment instils a sense of calmness and peace within me.
The interplay between black and white, ink and water, evokes thoughts on the relativity of positive and negative mental states, akin to Yin and Yang. Our thoughts, like ink floating on water, constantly drift through our minds. We possess both positive and negative thoughts, but we are the masters of our minds and the architects of our outlooks. We can cling tightly to these thoughts or let them dissipate naturally. Regardless, as masters of our thoughts, we begin with a clean slate and are initially free and empty.
