Mixed media; pewter sculpture and acrylic on board. Overall frame size 58 x 48cm. £860
I came across a wonderful book by a professor in Japan, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. He has spent a number of years researching into the benefits of forest-bathing, or Shinrin Yoku as it is known in Japan.
Nature is an integral part of Japanese culture so it is little surprising that the Japanese enjoy time in the forest. However, Professor Miyazaki has taken it a stage further. He believes that psychological and physiological benefits can be achieved from time in a forest. His research has proved this concept.
The opening chapter of the book says:
“Imagine taking a walk in the forest right now. You feel the earth and leaves under your feet, the snap of twigs. You listen to the birdsong and look up through the breaks in the canopy to the sky above, noticing how the light filters through to a point just further along the path. You breathe in, deeply. You smell the distinct forest aromas; moss, sap, earth and wood. You take it all in.”
Doesn’t it just make you want to be in a forest?
I guess as an artist I always try to take in my surroundings, but sometimes we forget to really absorb the things around us. The practice of Shinrin Yoku trains us to be more aware and to focus on the here-and-now. It is an intense feeling of mindfulness.
If you are intersted, read the book: Shinrin-yoku The Japanese Way of Forest Bathing for Health and Relaxation.
I was inspred by Professor Miyazaki and his research, which is why I painted Shinrin Yoku
The mould that I used to create the pewter sculpture has been destroyed. The pewter is lead-free and conforms to the relevant European Standard.
This is a one-off original painting. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
This piece is framed in a floating frame. The frame is 30mm deep and 20mm wide.
Norman Thomson Photography 