ABOUT BEYOND SUISEKI
Beyond Suiseki came into being like a late life “love child.” My enthusiasm for my own Asian-inspired stone collection, in addition to the rousing global influences affecting viewing stone arts, moved me to write the book which was to become Beyond Suiseki.
The book was never intended to be a discussion of suiseki. Rather, it was intended to describe recent arrivals of Chinese and Korean versions of viewing stone arts, as well as viewing stone arts from worldwide Western locations, all of which now share equally in the esteem once enjoyed by suiseki, alone.
Understanding that I had a distinctly Western perspective, I had five specific goals as I worked on the book:
- First, I wanted to briefly review the history Asian viewing stone arts up through the beginnings of the 21st Century in order to put in context the astonishing change now revolutionizing these arts;
- Second, I wanted to emphatically state that globalization has catapulted Asian viewing stone arts into the new Millennium beyond their former, insular, gradually evolving traditions. The dramatic growth of relationships among distant cultures has now bestowed widespread fame on viewing stone arts, has captivated Western admirers and inspired eager Western participants;
- Third, I wanted to demonstrate the ability of an unpretentious Western collection of viewing stones—such as many amateurs might assemble themselves—to provide the celebrated cornerstone of a book like Beyond Suiseki;
- Fourth, I wanted to provide references to the wealth of information and photographs of distinguished collections to encourage readers’ appreciation of the scope of Asian viewing stone arts; and
- Fifth, I wanted to add carefully chosen quotations to accompany the photographs, enhance the book and encourage readers to pause in considering each stone.
Beyond Suiseki Q & A
Q. What is the subject of Beyond Suiseki?
A. Beyond Suiseki is about an ancient Asian artform that is undergoing radical changes in the midst of expanding globalization.
Q. Where are the stones photographed in Beyond Suiseki? Can I go and see them?
A. The stones depicted in Beyond Suiseki are part of my personal collection. They came from locations I have visited, as gifts, and a few I've bought. They are not on public display.
Q. Where can I get true viewing stones? If I can't afford true viewing stones how can I participate?
A. There is no mysterious element that qualifies a rock to be a viewing stone. You may find wonderful stones where you live, taking walks, or on vacation. They will intrigue you when you see them on the ground. When you take them home, scrub them, and hold them in different positions they will appear more interesting. Find a location where you can continue looking and thinking about them. And, think about how you might display them so their best position is revealed. If you succeed in your efforts, you will have a "true" viewing stone! Also, stones are for sale on the Internet.
Q. How did you learn about the viewing stone artform?
A. I loved rocks and stones as far back as I remember. As an adult, I heard about decorative suiseki stones used in the art of bonsai. I began reading about these suiseki stones and learned about their history. It mentioned that suiseki's origins were Chinese. From that time on, I looked in the library, on the Internet, and in magazines and newspapers for any information about viewing stone arts. In time, I knew enough to write Beyond Suiseki. But, there are many devotees who have more experience than me. However, everyone can begin to learn by finding a single intriguing stone or reading books and information mentioned on the Internet.