"As if in a dream...seaside contemplations" is my contemporary interpretation, through photography, of the art and intention of traditional scroll wall hangings created by Japanese Zen monks.

In Zenga (Zen art) the scrolls are not created to be only ornamental objects, but come from an act of meditation. The monk/artist immerses himself in the essence of Spirit, then expresses it visually, to share and inspire a similar experience in the viewer.

Hangings such as these are placed in a contemplative space in the home, to remind and reconnect the viewer to the ever-present inner bliss and beautiful outer manifestations of God.

For this piece, I chose three images from my contemplative series, "Sea Dreams," printed them on archival "velvet" paper, and designed a hand-stitched silk Jacquard scroll wall hanging to complement their peaceful presence. While the front of the scroll highlights the images, the back also radiates it own beauty with hand-stitching, a subtle golden Japanese leaf print on green silk, and a small contemplative seaside image at the top, hand-signed.

Digital photography, silk, wood, leather

45"h x 36" w 4 images,

archival prints by artist 3 images, 3.5" x 11", front,

on 13" x 19" "velvet" paper 1 image, 3" x 3," back,

signed by Heidi Straube

Hanging hand-stitched by artist

Custom piece, edition of 1.