Artist's Statement

Marc Zaref’s design background, concentrated in the world of museums and galleries, gives him an understanding of partnership and collaboration. His role in the curatorial planning and execution of major exhibitions, from creating monographic, thematic, and period specific books, to designing exhibition spaces, exposed him to limitless visual influences. In this capacity he worked closely with artists, curators, museum board members and staff. While Marc continues to consult with institutions and provides design services on a per project basis, he transitioned to dedicating his time to his fine artwork in his studio and shop.

Sculpture: Ensos
By shaping, forging and welding metal, Enso sculptures explore the traditional creation of the mark in an entirely different medium. Like ink and brush, fluid and often whimsical strokes and elements capture expression, fluidity and movement.

Enso(円相) is a Japanese word meaning “circle” and a concept strongly associated with Zen. Enso is one of the most common subjects of Japanese calligraphy even though it is a symbol and not a character. It symbolizes the Absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the Universe, and the void; it can also symbolize the Japanese aesthetic itself. As an “expression of the moment” it is often considered a form of minimalist expressionist art.

In Zen Buddhist painting, enso symbolizes a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body/spirit create.

Sculptures by Marc Zaref • All Sculptures • All Artists