The Emotion of Passing
Mono no aware is a Japanese term reflecting the poignant awareness of the impermanence of people, objects and seasons.
It is the savoring of cherry blossoms, knowing those delicate blooms will pass in a matter of days. It is the awe and sadness of autumn trees, knowing their leaves will soon to fall to the earth. It is the realization that this might be the last time – The last bowl of soup you share with your aging mother, the last time your baby will suckle at your breast.
That emotion inspired my process in a series of paintings.
Beauty in Brokenness [tryptich of 3 pots of flowers – 24×24 each] in the office of my daughter who is a mental health therapist supporting people in the process of repairing the broken areas of their lives.
Where Two… [Two women standing together in prayer – 24×48] in the home of one of my best friends with whom I pray. I would leave our prayers times feeling such hope for the situations we prayed through. The scripture says – “Where two are gathered together , in my name, I am in their midst.”
Surrounded – [36×36] in the home of a precious couple who have three beautiful sons. Their eldest son, leaving for college, embodies that deep awareness that accompanies the passing of time – parents releasing their children into their future. In “Surrounded”, the parents on are on either side of the son, and angels flank them. The title comes from the exhortation in Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
The Last stew – in the home of friends. [36×36] It is portrait of their father, who died unexpectedly, leaving a huge void in their lives. Charlie was a culinary genius of Japanese America descent. He was known for fixing a large cauldron of Brunswick stew to serve to dozens of people in one sitting. The painting is him, stirring a stew, garbed in a Japanese robe.
The mono no aware series will continue til the day I lay down my brush. The feeling is one I seek to cultivate daily. Life is short. Savor it.
Van Gogh – Cherry Blossoms
