“Why the interest in Asian art?”
Education, travel, and employment with international companies led me to becoming introduced to oriental culture on a professional level. While entrenched in the workforce competing with Japanese manufactured product, productivity standards, Musashi, and management styles, I entertained the idea of embarking upon oriental culture on a personal level as well. Little did I know where this immersion would lead me, and how immensely rewarding the saturation would be.
The journey has taken me on a study of Tai Kwon Do philosophy and form, ikebana, Japanese architecture and fashion design, tradition, and symbolism; all culminating in sumi-e and oriental brush painting. One of the most impressionable elements of my journey has been travel to Japan and being able to experience (shortly after the earthquake and tsunami) the hospitality, humbleness, simplicity, and beauty of the Japanese people and country. This is what continues to inspire me to paint in a sumi-e and traditional style. Most of my paintings’ techniques and subject matter have been as a result of this travel, complemented by desire to honor, capture, and convey the essence, rather than the appearance, of my paintings' focus. I hope you enjoy it!
Terri Harris joined Fine Art America on April 2nd, 2013.
