Alfred "Jitsudo" Ancheta

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

I believe that creativity is a spiritual act. After many years of studying Buddhism, I have turned a great deal of my energy to the arts. Traditionally Zen teachers in Japan practiced different art forms, and it was a natural progression for me to work with calligraphy at first, copying various chants and practices. The ink immediately told me when I lost concentration, and through this I started to realize the kinship between spiritual and creative pursuit. Carving linoleum and wood blocks also takes a great deal of concentration, and by working in this medium I can work with images as well as with words.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sensei Alfred Jitsudo Ancheta is a Zen Buddhist monk, teacher and priest, who has worked with calligraphy and printmaking for the last several years as part of his practice. A Dharma Successor of Maezumi Roshi (a Japanese Zen master) and Bernie Glassman Roshi (founder of the International Peacemaker Community), he has been a Zen practitioner for over thirty years, and works actively with interfaith groups and projects.