“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities. In the expert’s mind there are few” – this quote from the Zen master Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971) – author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – is an absolute favourite of Cincinnati, Ohio-based artist Liz Zorn. “That is the inspiration I have followed in my life and work since my teenage years,” she says.

Liz’s abstract work is an exploration of those nebulous things of the world that are always present, always elusive – white noise, static, ghosts in the machine. “Painting at this point in my life is about capturing in a tangible way the ghost in the room,” she explains. “Not that it is possible, but I’m making the attempt anyway.”

Her paintings give some colour and design to mysterious “cerebral chatter”. As Liz tries to envision consciousness on canvas, it unfolds as pale strokes and random scribbling – art that would create a good contrast on deep, dark walls.

In her latest series “Initium” (Latin for “beginning/origin”), Liz goes back to Taoism and Zen Buddhism as they were introduced to her. She says, “With this work I am less concerned with what I want and more concerned with what I feel. The truth that arises in the silence. The absence of awkwardness.”

Featured painting is titled “Antediluvian”, sold to a private collector in Dallas, Texas. Learn more on www.lizzorn.com. Find Liz on Saatchi Art (www.saatchiart.com/lizzorn), Facebook (www.facebook.com/lizzornfineart), Twitter (@LizZorn) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/lizzorn).

Images used with permission.