Bushido

A self imposed study of Japanese culture over many years, as well as travels to Japan have influenced my work. Bushid? or “Way of the Warrior,” is a reflection on how I feel in this unsettling time of the pandemic and issues with racism finally in the forefront. I feel, like many, my guard must be up with a visual manifestation of armor, a “masked” protection from the many trials and tribulations we are facing. The detail and intricacy of a suit of Japanese armor is reflective of my desire to express my creativity through my design process in my work. For samurai armor every single element of the ensemble is thought out in great detail and created by a variety of skilled artisans to create one cohesive whole. A work of art in and amongst itself. The butterfly a common motif in Japanese culture was used as a crest for one of the famous ancient warrior clans. Not all samurai warriors were men, the introduction of the butterfly motif adds femininity. Metaphysically, for the Japanese, butterflies represent sustained happiness. Which is how I will feel as long as I am creating.