Inspired by the symbolism of the cherry blossom flower, which represents beauty and strength, as well as the expression, “Life, Death, and Renewal”, this piece completely embodies this expression, reflecting on the harmonious balance between human and nature. Each unique detail, from the soft elegance of the cherry blossoms, the chaotic nature of the setting, followed by the expression of complete calmness of her delicate features, helps portray the turmoils she once faced, and how she overcame her fears and saw her true beauty.
Part of a series of four illustrations I will be posting more of, based on poems written by children. These were made for a uni project working with Grimm & Co, a charity that enables children to express themselves through writing.
I’m fascinated in how something may make you feel. For instance, I’m deeply moved by images of outer space from the Hubble space telescope, but I do not try to recreate those photographs in my work. What does not exist in those photos, is how they may make us feel. This is why you won’t see any “realism” in my art. When we send astronauts to space, they can discuss factually what is happening, but what truly moves human beings is when astronauts describe how they felt while they were there. So, I choose to express how I feel, as opposed to illustrate what I see.
Imagine trading your soft bed for a deflating mattress.
Imagine food cooked under ash, a fire that smokes more than it warms.
Imagine waking at dawn with stiff muscles, yet finding yourself strangely alive.
This sketch is not just about tents, cars, and campfires.
It is about the in-between—where inconvenience and beauty wrestle, and something deeper sneaks in.
Camping reminds me: comfort is overrated, but presence is priceless.
Capturing the spaces in between and amplifying them with a play on exposure and contrast to bring forth the beauty I see within the layers. This particular play is a flower I saved from a very special event I attended. I then dried the petals of this beauty. These special petals make their way to various projects, including oil and acrylic paintings and resin on canvas. More to come :)
Caged is a collection of healing through deep inner journey work. Note: this is part of the process included while writing the final draft of my upcoming novel.
I would most definitely be lost if I didn't have my sketchbook to help me process my feelings...this is the product of my most recent therapeutic endeavor. Done with Posca Pens.
