Calaj Contemporary Art

The Steps

We continued our artistic relationship working independently yet in a similar style and on the same size canvas’, 32”x32”. Producing many paintings lead to inspired conversations and recognition of a shared philosophy. Giving and receiving each other’s thoughts and ideas freely, raised our awareness through that act of humility.  Using new knowledge gained through this awakening, we were able to decipher the essential steps of our painting process. We realized we could use these tasks or steps, even the mundane, as a means to open consciousness.  We created a ritual around these steps, a predetermined path, freeing us from judgment, allowing our feelings to be directed and directly related to what we’re doing. With each step we become more present with our feelings. The feelings are then transformed into a physical expression, fueling the impulsive act of the technique.

 The Walkaway

Not addressing judgment insures that our painting experience is authentic, unrelated to the effects of the act.  This final step of the process, “the walkaway” comes after the last paint stroke is executed. The energy, extending beyond the perimeters, leads to the “walkaway”.   The “walkaway”, turning away without judgment, entrusts the material outcome to the spiritual process. 

Beginning

Meeting on Monday nights to work together on the same canvas we began a collaboration.   With no rules, each taking a turn applying their mark, we started. Alternating between two large paintings we soon discovered that we were having trouble coming to a resolution.  There seemed to be no way either one could feel satisfaction or completion unless having made the last mark. At this point, we allowed the paintings to go unfinished with their many layers from our many attempts.  

 

Coming Together

Coming together through a recognition of a strong similarity in our painting techniques, we shared a love of process and the physically energetic Abstract Expressionist style. This process, a high energy, impulsive expression of the unconscious involved freely extracting and adding until we felt the painting “worked”.  

 As kindred spirits, we wanted to paint together. 

 An idea of collaboration came to Matt when he first arrived in Chicago from the backwoods of New Hampshire.  Seeing a particular graffiti strewn wall on an old brick building, he noted how each mark made in earnest, angst and disregard, juxtaposed to the faded commercial signage, created an unrestricted explosion of energy.  There were many forms from many sources but placed on this wall, they came together as a mysterious communion of wholeness, harmony and radiance. 

Having an opportunity to create two paintings of difficult size to build and transport, I realized the constraints I had to ponder yet I felt the spark of enthusiasm.

Knowing the value of enthusiasm, I ponder little and allow the enthusiasm to replace judgment and fuel the endeavor.

The energy of enthusiasm maintains the physicality of the commitment, transforming the difficulty into a positive release of spiritual energy.

Enthusiasm infuses the skills with great spirit.

While in enthusiasm we’ve given over the outcome to a higher order, enjoying each step of the experience.

 

“Vitality”

 

The organic arrangement of the painting, unrestrained by the perimeters of the canvas transmits vitality, energy happening now.

Organic arrangement, the result of an authentic expression of the human spirit, is free from commentary, personal ideas and expectation.

 

“Treading”

 Nature’s structure is it’s cycles.  Within it’s structure are infinite variations, the wonders that awaken us to life.  In the realm of nature no two moments are the same. 

Treading nature’s cycle, released from the constraints of the material, leads to acceptance of the unknown, the unpredictable, random nature of creativity.

 

 

 

Check out the other views on our site.  Not really electric, just electrifying.  Inspired by the rough wood used for the back.  Matt loved the color and surface, left as is but for a little sanding and polishing.  Harmonious yellow drawer fronts served for arms and legs to complete his fantastic design.  Don't miss the beauty of the seat made from reclaimed wood pieced together just right.

 

"The Receptive"

Held together by a force beyond human knowledge, the exotic system is the residue of spiritual motion.

Motion creates new situations, providing new experience for the receptive.

We're beginning our series of written reflections with "Joyous".  All our writings regard our ritual painting process, the meditation. Each writing focuses on a different aspect of ritual as a means to tap into the source of creativity and was inspired by it's accompanying painting. 

We welcome your thoughts, comments and questions.   

“Joyous”

Purity has no history.  Working with natural forces requires absolute concentration.  This awareness creates a breach in the ego, relinquishing control to the expression of spirit.  Individual spirit differs, though style, technique, medium and process are the same.  Personal styles are transcended by the presence of the whole when true authenticity is expressed.

Purity has no history.  It creates a continuous moment.  When our process is done in a conscious, workmanlike way, the result is purity.

 

 

 

Our ritualistic process of art has provided the opportunity to be taught new levels of awareness through painting.  We’re looking forward to sharing the experience, paintings and writings at the reception.  We hope to see you there!

 

Calaj | Two artists of a similar temperament, working together, sharing philosophies, discovery, technique and process.  From this  creative pairing, a ritualistic practice of painting developed.

 

In the process Calaj painting becomes a personal meditation for the artists.  It is their desire in their communication to the viewer, to offer a stimulating, thought provoking, conscious enhancing state of mind.

 

Using oil on canvas, the paint is custom blended to best authenticate the energy of the spirit.  It is the artists’ belief that the spirit brought to the work guides the painting’s expression.

 

Calaj practice is made up of steps designed to challenge boundaries of the known world and bring a physical and energetic force to the work.  Following the steps of the process brings the eternal space, that which goes beyond physical limitations.  Conscious awareness, effort and focus, through the practice, offers surprise and guarantees that each new piece will have a creative spirit as was never seen before.

Calaj, a creative collaboration formed by, two like minded artists, Matt and Jan. Their carpentry skills and artistic creativity inspire practicality into well crafted, spirited design. “

 

Calaj was formed to develop a close, progressive, interconnected relationship, uniting their energies in a physically creative, and prosperous way.

 

The use of recycled materials serves the well being of the environment. The aged wood surfaces carry a creative spirit that visually enhance the design. The salvaged wood is reconstructed into inventive forms, assembled to be a work of art as well as a functional piece of furniture.

 

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• The Steps
• From Process to Ritual - Beginning
• From Process to Ritual
• The Cycle of Enthusiasm
• "Vitality"
• Written Reflections on Ritual "Treading"
• "Electric Chair" preview before the One of a Kind Show Chicago, Dec 1-4
• The Receptive
• Written Reflections on Ritual by Calaj
• "Galactic Exchange" Calaj event"

• General [12]
• Invitation [1]