Where historically mudras are used in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist art as symbolic or ritualistic gestures. My Zen Gonzo Mudras prints spring from a more ironic and secular point of view.

The challenge is to always be succinct using principles of both Zen and Gonzo. I don’t want to overwhelm you with visual clutter. It is important to give your eyes and mind space to contemplate the gesture.

The gestures depicted are very much open ended. Some might represent an angry parent’s nervous tic, or a gesture made while pontificating the importance of not following conventional wisdom. Other gestures are celebratory, or ecstatic, and yes, some are painful.

Scenes are set against backdrops of what could be described as a sort of Zen Surrealism. Compositions host a subtle yet lyrical meticulousness.

Key elements in the Zen Gonzo Mudras series are also recognizable throughout much of my work; a simple vertical three panel layout, sky at top, horizon line and ground. Action, much like thought occurs on both upper and lower planes.

It is up to you to see what it is you find in the empty space between object and gesture.

Zen Gonzo Mudras prints are 16 x 20 inches and available on museum quality paper.