Hello November! And happy Monday to you.
Today’s featured piece is: “Rise for a New Day”
"Rise for a New Day" is a detailed oil painting of a cherry blossom set against a radiant, gold-painted background. By isolating the blossom from its surroundings, I captured the essence of its softness, intricate details, and delicate colors. The gold serves as a symbol for the brilliance of the sun, infusing the piece with a sense of joy and celebrating the new beginnings that these blossoms embody.
“Rise for a New Day”
is a meaningful piece in my own story. While I had taken time away from the studio and business to raise our family, support my spouse and move to Japan, I had to find myself again in a few ways.
I had to rise and begin creating again, to feed my soul artistically in the chaos of three young kids. I also had to rise for new days after the tragedy of a sister’s passing. And I had to rise for new days in discovering myself and beliefs after a faith deconstruction.
This collection represents far more than just beautiful blossoms and landscapes. The Sakura Collection chronicles my journey through a emotionally challenging season of life, navigated with love, peace, and intention. Focusing on the intricate details of nature became a meditative practice; by repeatedly painting these flowers—from close-ups to larger scenes—I discovered something profound in every painting.
We each go through difficulties in the course of a year, a decade, and a lifetime. But what makes life so worth living and being here, is the chance of a new day, a fresh start, even after tragedy or hardship.
Nature surrounds us, offering stories of hope, resilience, peace, growth and other reminders that can help us through life. But we have to be willing to look, listen and reflect. My artwork is always seeking to shine a light on these stories and concepts in nature.
“Rise for a New Day” was a title that felt like a special message to someone. I hope whoever connects with this piece, that it continues to feed their soul through bright mornings and dark nights, always reminding them to Rise for a New Day.
The oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan.
Artfully,
