It has been a gorgeous spring here in Japan. The plum blossoms made a spectacular show in March, and everywhere flowers are popping up from the ground. However, the main attraction is everyone’s favorite cherry blossom tree, aka: さくら(sakura). These gnarled, old trees explode in billowy glory after the first heat wave, and after week of euphoric spring bliss, they gently shed their petals in waves of snow-like flurries. I grew up with the charming blossoming plum tree in Seattle, but it can’t compare to the majesty of the Japanese Sakura.And with all this spring beauty blooming around me, I of course had to complete my final installation of the seasonal series: Spring Kimono Kitty.
(Excuse me as I breath a HUGE sigh of relief.)I am happy how this piece turned out, yet furthermore relieve that it’s finally finished. This was one of those more difficult pieces to create. I was very happy how winter kimono kitty turned out, and therefore felt the pressure to follow-up with an equally pleasing spring counterpart, who was to don the symbol that best identifies Japan: the sakura blossom. The first attempt at drawing spring kimono kitty was unsuccessful, and I had to redo the entire drawing and pose. I also had several other projects whose deadlines were clamoring to be finished, and therefore left little breathing room to allow creativity to easily flow. I eventually found my groove, and settled in to painting while listening to my audiobook. And after 20 hours from starting over again, I finally finished her. As the Japanese would say, やった！(I did it!) :)
All four seasons!!
So what’s next now that all four seasons are finished? Well, I’m considering doing another summer kimono kitty since I’ve grown and learned so much since then, though I’m also tossing around the idea of doing a series of Japanese male cats donning samurai, ninja, and other traditional Japanese men’s attire. What are your thoughts?For now though, I think I’m going to take a nap under a sakura tree and get covered in petals. またね！~.^
I had just gotten back to Japan from the states while my husband Cody was still finishing up some training for the Air Force. It was a two month long training session, and we were one month down. That month I enjoyed an extended stay with friends and family in Washington. But now that I was back in Japan, I suddenly felt the sharp ache of being away from the close connections of home and husband.Stay busy. That was my mantra. Though honestly, it’s hard forging your way as a self-employed artist. Your workplace is your drafting table in the next room, and your boss if your own self-discipline and will. Going to work means that I need to somehow push all other distracting things aside and making myself stay focused on the goals at hand. Some seasons I’m right on track and making headway. Other times, it’s not as easy.February was one of those times. I quickly found that many things that I came back to do turned out to be less time-consuming that I had originally thought. I had a lot more time on my hands, which ironically made it harder to stay focused and busy. I began fretting and doubting my decision to return a month early. Waking up and going to sleep in an empty house (spare the cat) was taxing, and it was a slog to keep moving on through the days. I even considered hopping a flight back to the states during one emotional meltdown. It was a good thing that it didn’t work out, but dangit….it was hard.That’s when I remembered the crocus.The crocus is a flowering plant part of the iris family. It grows from a bulb and appears anywhere from late winter through early spring. Despite its delicate nature, it can force itself up through the snow to display blooms varying in colors from pinks, yellows and purples. Throughout many cultures, it has been known as a symbol for hope and strength, since it perseveres even through the icy grip of winter.There are many ways the God speaks to me, but perhaps one of the most strongest and clearest is through the language of flowers. I felt the immediate connection. Seeking out a few photographs of crocuses I took years ago on my mom’s old Nikon SLR, I posted couple pictures around my workspace and one on my bathroom mirror. Every time I would glance at my calendar or brush my teeth, I saw those pictures of the crocus. I am a crocus. I would tell myself. I may be small, I may feel weak, but I will push through. I can do this.
Also, Cody gets back on Sunday. : )
So for all of you who are snowed in today, and for everyone else in this winter season, may your imagination whisk you away to a winter wonderland. ^^
Who knows what little surprises you'll find after the first snow...Just wishing everyone a happy December! :)-Jess
I really liked how this piece turned out and am considering doing a few more of cat-and-kimono pieces. Funny story...Rainy no longer likes to sit under the red parasol. In fact, she's rather scared of it now. Thinks it's some kind of evil red monster that spontaneously pops open. Silly cat.
