I have always been inspired by Japanese art and Zen Buddhism. I first came across Zen brushwork about 15 years ago while living in London. Buddhism helped me understand more about art, as well as how to bring mindfulness into my own life and work.

I fell in love with the energy of the line and black strokes dancing across the paper. I started practicing by myself at first, and then I studied Japanese art and painting. I now use my own personal approach and create drawings using brush and ink, in addition to Japanese brush pens. I continue to learn every day and understand more about this incredible medium, for which the process is the main point. My strokes are a reflection of this journey.

Zen brushwork is all about the moment and remaining in the moment. The artist becomes one with the brush to capture the nature and energy that surround us. As Japanese philosopher Kitarō Nishida said, “True creativity is the phenomenon of life itself.”

Drawing is an active meditation, inspired by your feelings related to the subject. You become the subject. For instance, focus your mind on the flying movement of a bird or the smell of flowers as you draw, and those things will become evident in your art.

This energy is called “chi” or “ki” in Asian art, and it is expressed in this style like a dancing line. There are no interruptions or corrections; simply take a clear, deep breath as you complete a stroke. The process is about connecting with your breath and your body as a whole. Try to keep calm, and focus on your breathing. Tension will keep you away from the moment.

Prepare yourself by closing your eyes and taking three deep breaths, with your blank paper in front of you. Then, gently but with intention, use your brush or brush pen to create your first stroke. You’ve now started your journey. Again, it is essential to focus on the process, rather than the result. There is no right or wrong and no judgment—only you and the energy moving through you with your drawing.

Remaining aware of your feelings and surroundings will ensure that you have a beautiful, mindful experience. If you find it difficult to keep calm, return to your breathing and the feeling you had at the start. It is not about perfection, and your strokes will be different than mine. But this is your moment and your inner journey.

For me, mindfulness is fully experienced without many thoughts. I know this can be difficult to achieve, as our minds are always thinking, but by listening to your breath and through the fluidity and harmonious movement of each stroke you create, you can change the way you perceive things around you and the way you see yourself through art.