Sumi-e and Asian Brush paintings are currently on exhibit at Jean Kigel Studio + Gallery in Waldoboro. Kigel’s subject matter is a blend of Maine and the Far East. For example, shrimp swim next to misty, karst mountains. Many of these paintings will be on display at Tao Yuan Restaurant on Pleasant Street in Brunswick during the upcoming months.
The freely controlled brush strokes of Asian tradition are a trademark of Kigel’s style. She paints using unique, Eastern tools: the Chinese brush, made from bamboo and animal hair, forms a resilient paint reservoir markedly different from that of the Western brush; the ink stick, or sumi, molded from soot and glue, must be ground with water on an ink stone to make fresh ink before each painting session; the absorbent, Eastern papers, generically called rice paper, may be either raw or sized; and Oriental pigments are both mineral and organic, including powdered jade, ground pearl and rattan.
Kigel paints with a variety of brush strokes using ink alone, or ink mixed with color. Integral to the composition of all Asian brush paintings is the red chop, or carved, stone stamp, which can signify the artist’s name, hometown, or a bit of philosophy.
Kigel is a member of the Sumi-e Society of America.
Jean Kigel Studio + Gallery is at 1396 Back Cove Road in Waldoboro. The gallery is open daily with flexible hours. Call first is recommended at 207-832-5152. For more information or to view paintings, visit www.jeankigel.com.
