New Works and Japanese Treasures

White Ants Dreaming July 2012

Daniel E. Sali

Detail of White Ants Dreaming

Daniel E. Sali

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These bones,

This hand...

Star-ash!

Brain molten with

Genesis heat,

This quiet thought,

That raging fire...

(Author Unknown)

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Wings of Air, Wings of Wood 2012

Daniel E. Sali

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The Sacred in the Ordinary

What I do in my art is similar to what Hokusai did, in that he saw the sacred in the ordinary and showed it to us. This is why I have always been attracted to the woodblock prints of Hokusai's Edo Period Ukiyoe prints, as well as other Edo Period artists and carvers.

I think Hokusai’s work showed a real connection with the spiritual in nature, as well as the ordinary everyday life of the Edo period. Like Hokusai, my work also contains symbolic meanings, images of the beauty in nature and in ordinary life. I feel that my paintings and idea’s are very much in harmony with the spiritual world of the Edo Period. The spiritual life and culture of Japan; particularly the Edo Period, has had the biggest influence on my art and thinking.
Edo Period spirituality, helps us remember our nature/natural roots, and remember our connection to natures spirit and all of our fellow beings, both two legged and four legged.

In the words of Henry David Thoreau, “This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used.’

Daniel E. Sali

Check out this link to see footage and interviews that took place at the Collective Works Gallery during the Victoria Art Jam group show.

The show featured works by visiting Japanese artists, Coast Salish artists and other Victoria artists who have had art exhibitions in Japan.