“In movement, seek stillness. In stillness, seek movement.”

This phrase was often told by my tai chi teacher when I first started training. His instruction to me was probably in response to his observation that my mind seemed very agitated while I was doing my forms. When I was finally able to still my mind, my movements became much more fluid, graceful and effective.

When I meditate, the body is still, and the mind is moving. Thoughts race, and pull my focus away from my breath. By persistence, my focus returns to the breath and my mind eventually settles down.

When painting, the same discipline applies. When my mind is still, my hand can move the brush with fluidity and confidence. But stillness and movement are not in opposition. They complement each other.

In this painting, the still quiet repose of the model is complemented by the loose fluid brushstrokes. It’s almost as if the movement of her thoughts are expressed in the brushwork. This balance of polarity- the yin and yang, is as much the subject as the model.

“Still Movement”

10x14 in | 25x36 cm

oil on canvas board (unframed)

$600