Keeping an Empty Mind

Key to Ireland’s art-making philosophy is his knowledge of, and deep respect for, Eastern philosophy, especially Zen Buddhism. Among the lessons he has learned is to keep an open and empty mind. As the Zen master Shunryu Suzuki advised his students, “If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.”

From Eastern teachings, Ireland has also learned not to value one thing over another; instead, he believes that all things are equal and perfect as they are. Dust is also Buddha, as an old saying goes. Ireland thus offers drawings made simply of talcum or dirt. Art made from cement is as acceptable as the finely ground pigment used in traditional painting; old brooms and even an elephant’s ear are valid materials for art.