Joy Street Studios | Studio 34 | Somerville, MA
After-Ma
These monotypes evolved from my “Ma” series. The Japanese concept of “Ma” is often expressed as a pause in time, an interval or emptiness in space. In the “After-Ma” monotypes, inspired in part by the musical compositions and performances of Thelonious Monk, I’ve included more elements and vibrant colors, while continuing to explore the space in between the elements – the patterns, lines, shapes - that comprise the compositions. I share the view found in “Ma” (and in Monk's arrangements), that visual (and aural) pauses, the elements left out, are just as important as those that are expressed. The importance of the pause is found throughout human culture, in conversation, literature, music, design, architecture and other forms of expression. “Ma” is the breathing room we need…to connect.