Frederick Franck (1909–2006)

This is Dutch-born author and artist Frederick Franck's seventeenth book, following on the heels of The Zen of Seeing, seeing/drawing as Meditation (Vintage) and Pilgrimage to Now/Here (Orbis Books). According to Professor Masatoshi Doi of Kyoto it was 'logical' that Dr. Franck should write this essay on a reliigion that sees art as a way of prayer and meditation, 'for he is the only person I could think of who could do it.' Frederick Franck, whose paintings and drawings are in the permanent collections of museums in America, Europe and Japan, holds doctorates in Fine Arts, Medicine and Dentistry. As a doctor he served on the staff of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's legendary hospital in the African forest, and he was the only artist to record Pope John's Vatican council in its entirety. He is also the designer-builder-sculptor of 'Pacem n Terris,' 'a chapel of peace' next to his home in Warwick, NY. Franck was instrumental in organizing the 1975 American tour of Onisaburo, co-founder of Oomoto and martyr under the fascist regime of pre-war Japan. After several visits to Japan, and after the opportunity of drawing and talking to Oomoto's leaders, he has written an accoount of a religion whose devotion to the traditonal arts of Japan may help to restore our awareness of the common roots of art and religion. Contents By way of introduction Oomoto and the New Religions of Japan The birth of Oomoto A visit to Kameoka The Foundress as a prophet The shaman of Mount Takakuma Oomoto, Onisaburo and art Some notes on Oomoto as a religion Appendix A short on the tea ceremony and on Noh drama Bibliography… (more)

World-renowned artist and teacher Frederick Franck shares his philosophy and spiritual approach to creativity. The author of the classic The Zen of Seeing has drawings and paintings in the permanent collections of more than 20 museums throughout the world.

"The Meaning of Life is to see," said the seventh century Zen sage Hui Neng. Franck agrees. In this user-friendly paperback he presents techniques for "seeing/drawing," which he has used in workshops over the past 20 years. There are exercises on drawing from the heart, caressing, accenting, catching the lightning, and keeping the artists within attentive.

More than 100 of Franck's exquisite drawings are peppered throughout the book. They ably demonstrate his meditative approach. He notes: "The moment the eye opens up, all becomes equally fascinating, equally inspiring, equally pregnant with meaning." Zen Seeing, Zen Drawing is a wonder-inducing and deeply spiritual resource. The book includes Zen stories, quotations, proverbs, and anecdotes.… (more)