Process

My process for creating art with a computer is not evident in the final work, especially since it looks so organic and far from what is usually thought of as a digital image. However, the basis of my process is always rooted in the principles of Zen and the pursuit of deep life questions through creativity.

It all begins in the garden, a place of natural beauty that inspires my art. I embark on a meditative walk with a camera in hand, capturing photographs of textured surfaces and intriguing objects that echo the garden's tranquility. Now numbering in the thousands, these images are carefully stored on a computer drive, each a frozen moment waiting to be woven into a future narrative.

Next is a reflective practice where I sketch ideas and images that resonate with specific Zen teachings integral to my practice and life. Through sketching, I delve into the essence of these teachings, translating insights into tangible forms.

This isn't just about creating art; it's a form of contemplation, a way to deepen my understanding and embodiment of practice.

The heart of my process lies in the creation of textured digital collages. I select a few dozen photographs from my collection and layer them in Photoshop. Each image is carefully blended through various compositing and matting methods, revealing new textures and dimensions. It results in a dance of light and shadow, where each layer speaks to the transient beauty of form, a core principle of wabi-sabi.

As the collage builds up, I integrate the sketches I've drawn and objects I've photographed, placing them between the layers.

This integration is a thoughtful process that aligns with the insights that arise during the process. The final image emerges as a complex tapestry of textures, forms, and meanings.

As an artist living in a Zen temple, my intention is to engage in continuous exploration of the interplay between meditation, creativity, and deep life questions.

Through my art, I want to share this journey, where every image is a step on the path to understanding the nature of reality.

- Sokei