Entering the Light on Red

Entering the Light
 By Allan Ashley

A Warrior Series by Allan, Inspired by the Samurai Tradition, Iaido (居合道), Aikido (合気道), Kyusho (急所) and TaiChi.  It embodies the idea common in martial practice that continued training toward the goal of perfection will lead to enlightenment.  It is a series celebrating the noble pursuit of the practitioners toward enlightenment through Practice of their Arts.  This idea is often demonstrated in Zen Archery. The Warriors carries the Long Sword or Katana (刀), Short Sword or Wakizashi (脇差) and traditional Japanese Asymmetrical Bow or Yumi (弓). The Samurai Man is wearing the Hakama, pleated skirt like trousers historically worn by Samurai (and by modern day practitioners of Aikido and Iado) to hide leg movements and give the illusion of floating.  Onna-bugeisha (女武芸者, “female martial artist”) was a type of female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility.  These women engaged in battle alongside samurai men mostly in times of need. They were members of the bushi (samurai) class in feudal Japan and were trained in the use of many weapons to protect their household, family, and honour in times of war. Their shapes are inspired by the Aikido and TaiChi tradition and movements. The metallic paints which Allan uses on the artworks, change colour with different lighting and viewing angles, often giving the illusion of movement and depth.  The works are completed on 100% cotton canvas and then protected with a spray varnish designed for artworks.  ©TheAshleysArt.com  ©Allan Ashley