Being Time was inspired by the small wooden house of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh at Magnolia Grove Monastery, Mississippi, in the Plum Village tradition founded by him. During my visit and contemplation of this sacred space, I was deeply moved by the simplicity, stillness, and awakened energy surrounding that humble dwelling. It was not grandeur that touched me, but the quiet power of a simple, mindful way of living. In the painting, the small house appears as a symbol of awakened simplicity — a place where time dissolves into presence, where “being” and “time” are no longer separate. While painting Being Time, I did not seek perfection or realism, but allowed each brushstroke to follow breath, inner stillness, and deep listening. The golden path, blooming flowers, forest, and the stone engraved with the words “Being Time” all reflect moments of inner peace when the heart becomes quiet. The original painting was later respectfully offered to Magnolia Grove Monastery as a gesture of gratitude and reverence. The original work is now preserved at the monastery and is not for sale. From this work, I continue to create other versions inspired by Being Time, with different colors, light, and emotional atmospheres — allowing collectors to connect with the spirit of the original through a unique artistic expression. For me, Being Time is not merely a painting. It is a meditation in color, a silent dialogue between art and mindfulness. — Salina Vu
