Cat Rocketship

When I was in school I had the opportunity to take many non-Western Art History courses, and one was all about Chinese brush painting - the tradition and evolution of iconic Chinese watercolors and calligraphy. One night, the prof lined up a hands-on session for us to learn the techniques behind brush painting (or “sumi-e”).

We got to use the sumi brushes and rice paper that I’d been eyeing at my job at the local art supply store for years, and I actually got to learn the proper way to dip, blot, and paint with my brush.

Since then, I’ve used sumi brushes for watercolors, and I now use them in the Rocket Assembly tattoo plaques.



What’s so cool about sumi brushes? Only everything! They are affordable little bundles with a bamboo handle and - usually - horse hair bristles. They are so carefully made and the bristles are bound in such a way that the brush maintains its shape, belly and point for a long time over many uses.

As I said earlier, I’m a materials nut. Materials with a good history are my top pick. And the history of Oriental sumi-e painting is rich. I do not paint in the sumi-e style, but as I’m working with the tools - bamboo pens and brushes and indelible ink - I find myself working with the major philosophies of the style.

Sumi-e painters strive to paint the essence of an object, but not its soul - paintings should not be direct representations, but a translation of objects’ spirit. In a similarly-zen manner, sumi-e lines, once laid, cannot be changed or erased. This is largely practical, as the ink is permanent, but I still like it as a philosophical tenant. Be zen with your work, Cat. 

Next, I want to get a sumi block - or ink stone. This will require me to learn the art of ink grinding to get my ink of the proper opacity and consistency. It will also leave me with ink-stained fingers, but I can dig it.