I believe that creativity is a spiritual act. After many years of studying Buddhism, I have turned a great deal of my energy to the arts.
Traditionally Zen teachers in Japan practiced different art forms, and it was a natural progression for me to work with calligraphy at first, copying various chants and practices. The ink immediately told me when I lost concentration, and through this I started to realize the kinship between spiritual and creative pursuit.
Carving linoleum and wood blocks also takes a great deal of concentration, and by working in this medium I can work with images as well as with words.
