About Cole Norton
Cole Norton
Cole Norton’s work revolves around the concepts of Zen, and the broad range of qualities we all posess; light and dark, courage and fear, strength and weakness, Yin and Yang. Ever present in the work is a focus on the life forces of ourselves and of the world.
The flow of energy between the model, the artist, and painting is what breathes true life into the work. Cole views his work as the creation of new beings, through the focused intention of the artist and model. Both being absolutely present in the moment of creation. This is a direct expression of the Zen mind.
Cole studied traditional Japanese martial arts for seven years in the US and in Japan, and studied Zen painting as the apprentice of Hakuro, a Chinese master ink wash painter. Cole regards brushwork and sword work in the same manner, focusing intention and energy (Ki) into the strokes. He brings a Western eye for the figure and channels it through the hand and brush of Zen.
Cole paints using traditional natural materials, such as hand-made washi paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, gold, and silver. These must be prepared and used carefully. They bring natural beauty and grace to the works which are brought out by skillful use of the brush.
Bio
2008 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration
2015 Taught figure drawing at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
2015 Apprentice of Chinese master ink wash painter, Hakuro, in Tokyo
2017 Receiving Former Prime Minister, Murayama Tomiichi Award
for figurative works depicting the Maiko (Geisha apprentices) of Kyoto.
Solo show
2018 “Our Beauty“, Yoh Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
2017 “The breath of existence” Gyokusenji Zen Temple, Tokyo, Japan
Selected group exhibitions
2018 “Yoshie Tachiki, Cole Norton, Ren Fujii Three person show”, Gallery A Bientot, Tokyo “和魂洋彩 Wakon Yousai” Gallery Ekoan, Ginza, Tokyo
“Ma, the Essential Void”, Monshuin Zen Temple main hall
2017 “Croquis figurative show” Hiroshige Gallery, Ebisu, Tokyo, Japan.
“30x30x30 Exhibition”, Var Gallery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
“Japanese and Chinese Ink art exhibition”, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo.
2016 “Figure Exhibition”, Var Gallery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
“Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Faculty Exhibition”,
The Frederick Layton Gallery, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Collections
2017 “Essence of Plum”, Gyokusenji Zen Temple, Tokyo, Japan
2018 “Hawk and pine tree”, Kousaiji Zen Temple, Tokyo, Japan
2019 Commission work of Monk Portrait “Chinso“, Gyokusenji Zen Temple, Tokyo, Japan
Award
2017 Former Prime Minister, Murayama Tomiichi Award
for figurative works depicting the Maiko (Geisha apprentices) of Kyoto.
