My primary art practice consists of creating mixed media pieces that feature siddham syllables overlayed on colorful shapes that evoke a feeling of graffiti. Siddham is a medieval script that is used for writing the mantras, dharanis, and seed syllables of various Buddhist deities. Composed in the proper manner with a concentrated spirit, the power of siddham is said to be capable of manifesting the latent Buddhas within the viewer. The juxtaposition of the siddham script with graffiti-inspired backgrounds demonstrates the non-duality of the sacred and the profane. In this way, it presents a challenge to the viewer to transcend the common understanding which sees nothing sacred in the profane, and progress further to the awareness that there has never been anything profane in the sacred.
Jamabushi lives and works in Dallas, TX.
The name “jamabushi” is a play on the word “yamabushi,” which is the term for a practitioner of Shugendō mountain asceticism. Whereas a yamabushi is one who practices in the mountains, a jamabushi is one who practices being a nuisance. I produce nuiscances as a painter, designer, assemblage artist, and occassional writer who practices as a householder-priest.
Education:
2019 Ph.D. (Philosophy), University of North Texas
2015 M.L.S. (Humanities), Southern Methodist University
2012 B.A. (Philosophy), University of North Texas
Select Publications, Exhibitions, and Projects:
Books
The Philosophy of Transhumanism: A Critical Analysis, Emerald Publishing, 2020 (ISBN:978-1-83982-625-2)
“Eliza Hamilton, Buddhist Master,” in Hamilton and Philosophy: Revolutionary Thinking, Open Court Press, 2017 (ISBN:978-0-8126-9960-9)
Group Shows
4th Annual Small Works Show, Art Room, Fort Worth, TX
Halcyon, Envision Arts, Dallas, TX
About Future, Rome, Italy
Fort Worth Zine Fest, Fort Worth, TX
Super Fantasy Mercado, Dallas, TX
Collaborations
Soundtrack, No Cop Academy: The Documentary, Soapbox Productions and Organizing, Chicago, IL
Additional Qualifications:
Shugendō priest (Dharma name: 真道Shindō)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 3rd degree black belt