Honshin: What’s in a Name?

Nicholas Kirsten-Honshin is most well-known in Arizona for his two galleries, owned and operated with his business partner and wife, Krystal Kirsten. These beautiful spaces, ‘The Gallery of Wholeness, Harmony and Radiance’ and The Gallery of the Ascending Spirit’ can both be found within the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in Sedona, Arizona.
 
Honshin received his ‘painter’s name’ in 1984 by his father and his father’s Japanese teachers. He began painting at the age of 5, and was mentored by his father and his father’s teachers from age ten to thirty-eight. The name Honshin, meaning ‘original mind – pure heart’ has been the artists’ signature since the age of thirty-eight. The concept that “our heart knows one-ness and connectivity” has been strung through each piece of artwork by Honshin, as well as the two gallery spaces.

'Zen Cat Reaching Enlightenment' by Honshin

The artwork of Honshin continues to be a reflection of experience with the philosophies and spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism, Mesoamerican cultures and Christianity. With a blend of science, nature and spirituality, each piece is a personal journey into the mind and heart of Honshin’s desire to emit the concept of inter-connectivity.
 
Honshin has crafted award-winning poetry and art, and often recites live poetry during Sedona’s 1st Friday in the Galleries event, each month. Every Saturday, between the hours of 11am and 5pm one can find Honshin creating as resident artist at The Gallery of the Ascending Spirit.
 
For more information on Honshin, The Gallery of the Ascending Spirit or The Gallery of Wholeness, Harmony and Radiance, visit: www.honshinfineart.com or stop into one of the stated galleries at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village of Sedona.