Project: Enter Zen from Here

Artist Statement

Drawing from the premise in Eckhart Tolle’s parable, “Can You Hear the Mountain Stream?” which teaches that enlightenment is universally attainable, transcending location and time, “Enter Zen from Here” is a project that encompasses the essence of Zen philosophy and the transformative power of meditation.

With blended images from two distinct genres, this highly visual and immersive project merges an image from the genre that ignited my passion for photography in high school, landscape, and nature, with a still life abstract that represents my current artistic expressions. Thus, in many respects, “Enter Zen from Here” is a project that has been in the works for decades, as it symbolizes the culmination of my photographic journey, bridging the gap between its beginnings and the end of my educational journey through the completion of this Master of Fine Arts thesis project.

Designed to elicit a dreamlike sensorial experience conducive to guided meditation, each image in the series creates contemplative windows to transcend life’s daily noise by entering a state of tranquil serenity. Through these visual conduits, each image invites the viewer to immerse themselves in a realm of comforting weightlessness, setting the stage for profound introspection and inner peace. Furthermore, drawing inspiration from Buddhist teachings on color symbolism, they can also aid in transforming negative aspects such as ignorance and jealousy to positive wisdoms, thus enhancing the viewer’s meditative journey.

“Enter Zen from Here” offers a sanctuary for the weary soul, a respite where one can find solace and rejuvenation. It is a testament to the power of mindfulness and meditation, inviting viewers to embark on a transformative journey towards a more enlightened and harmonious existence.

“White signifies the transcendence of ignorance to the wisdom of reality.”
“Yellow represents the dissolution of pride into a wisdom of sameness.”
“Blue embodies the transformation of anger into reflective clarity.”
“Red signifies the liberation from attachment through discernment.”
“Green embodies the journey from jealousy to a sense of accomplishment.”