ENSO BERTHA SERIES (2016 to Present)

​

Enso Bertha is a mixed media series by Marta Musa. This mixed media pieces incorporate multiple mediums including Encaustic (Damar Resin, Pigment & Beeswax) and abstract Ink drawing. Inspiration for this comes from the meditative exercise of using one fluid stroke to create an Ensō. 

​

The Ensō is seen as an expression of a singular moment; "a moment when the mind is free to let the body create." There is so much more to the concept of an Ensō including "the beginning and end of all things, the circle of life and the connectedness of existence". But what truly speaks to me is the concept that imperfection is an essential and inherent part of our existence. So, of course it made perfect sense to me that an Ensō should be the starting point for a series of mixed media pieces that allow me to explore the imperfection of my post Bertha (brain injury) brain. 

​

Each piece begins with an abstract ink drawing of circles, straight lines and curved lines done while my "mind is free to let the body create". This ink drawing is then mounted onto a wood panel and layered with molten clear encaustic.  The final touch is slowly, patiently and painstakingly apply dots of molten red encaustic in a free and intuitive way.