STATEMENT

I paint abstract koans. The more fully I live the less I know for certain and koans are analogous to this state of mind. I am in my ninth year of daily Zen meditation practice.

Improvisation within a thematic framework is the foundation of my pictorial approach. The philosophical discipline in my art-making is Shoshin, or ‘beginner’s mind.’ ‘…having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level.’

I am attracted to paint’s malleability and unrestricted nature. I use brushes, knives and trowels to apply paint. To subtract I use squeegees, turpentine wipes and sandpaper. I often make my own paint to enhance the tinting strength of the colors.

I reference diverse influences including late Roman wall frescoes, Tantric painting and mid-twentieth century non-objective art. My conviction is these new works signal a unique and potent development in contemporary abstract painting.

-Mark Brown

Painting must go its own way. It must always elude our understanding.

-Peter Pinchbeck