The ancient oriental art forms called Viewing Stones in Western Cultures, have been interpreted by Sedona artist Rikard into a contemporary presentation called Sedona Spirit Stones, while remaining true to the esthetic developed over a thousand years ago, first in China, then in Japan and Korea.
China
Qishi(qi = strange, shi = stone)
Japan Suiseki (sui = water, seki = stone)
KoreaSuseok (su = living & spirit, seok = stone)
These miniature landscapes are a form of sculpture merged with Zen meditation garden. Creating these art works is a contemplative exercise that draws one closer to the natural environment, while allowing the viewer to experience it in a more intimate way.
The history of viewing stones as art forms is linked to Buddism and Taoism. It is an art that brings out the qualities that the forces of nature have had on the stone over time, suggesting various things such as structures, living creatures, landscapes and landforms such as caves, tunnels, sea-shores, islands, cliffs, plateaus, and canyons.
Click on the above links for history, aestetics, a small gallery of photos, and more.
