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 time of volatility with being female and the state of current affairs. I feel my guard must be up with a visual manifestation of armor. 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 art.