Basewheel LLC

Drawing on images from youth of my father throwing pottery and my mother spinning yarn: wheels make amazing creative processes happen. During my years as a painter I was inspired by zen art and masters like Sesshu. In Toykyo studying language and art, especially sumi-e, ink panting I loved the challenge of using a simple brush and single pigment to create amazing complexity. Trying to paint a perfect circle is a form of practice. The ensō or “circle” is a hand painted wheel, executed in one singe stroke. The perfect painted wheel is said to only be accomplished when the mind is pure and tranquil. If the circle is closed it signifies enlightenment and perfection, if the circle is open it is incomplete but active and alive calling us to strive for perfection. As a musician circles and cycles are the beat, the foundational rhythm and also the structure that guides the melody from drifting into dissonance: cycles of 4ths and 5ths. The wheel of life is dynamic, every changing and adapting, yet always continuing and stable. It has a beginning, middle, end and a mysterious area between the end and the beginning, the place where intuition, creativity, and spirituality are sought and sourced. The Tarot Wheel of Fortune is represented by the planet Jupiter, ever expanding, energizing and changing. It signifies good luck and turning points, optimism, growth and success. Wheels and circles in general are highly practical and functional yet mysterious. The bold strong path around a clear center. In contrast to the linear force that forges ever forward, the wheel of ouroboros, the snake biting its tail, reminds us of wholeness and infinity, that seeing the whole picture is important. And there is the base, the source, the foundation. Mathematics and geometrics. The patterns, concepts and visions that precede action. It is the roots of a tree, and the living soil that gives nourishment for growth. Stability and support are necessary before expansion can be successful. It is simplicity and efficiency, white space.