Hello everyone,
Today, I'd like to share a piece of art that feels like a warm embrace from the past, a visual whisper from my younger self. This illustration, painted with acrylics sometime between 2002 and 2007, carries a simple yet profound theme I called 『太陽 ココロ キモチ』 (Taiyou Kokoro Kimochi) in Japanese. It translates roughly, and gently, to "Sun, Heart (or Mind), and Feelings." It’s a theme that felt important then, and perhaps resonates even more deeply now in our busy world.
Looking at this piece again after all these years brings a wave of nostalgia, but also fresh insights. There's a certain raw, vibrant energy captured in the bold use of colour, a childlike freedom in the slightly imperfect, yet expressive brushstrokes. The sun, sitting high like a cheerful king, isn't just a passive object in the sky. It seems to actively reach down with its warm, radiant lines, its energy almost tangibly enveloping the central figure and the whimsical landscape below. It serves as a potent reminder of the pure, life-giving force the sun represents – not just the light that helps things grow, but the metaphorical warmth that can lift our spirits, chase away shadows, and brighten even the simplest, quietest moments of our lives.
The central figure stands grounded yet appears light, almost floating, seemingly bathed in the sun's affectionate glow within a protective, comforting green haven. Perhaps this figure represents our inner self – our "Kokoro" (Heart/Mind in Japanese). That sacred, personal space within each of us where peace can reside, where we hopefully connect authentically with ourselves and feel a gentle kinship with the natural world. The smile on the figure's face is subtle, gentle, radiating a sense of contentment and quiet joy. It speaks of an acceptance of the present moment, a simple being-ness. The surrounding trees, some looking familiar, others perhaps sprung from pure imagination with their unique, rounded shapes, stand like friendly guardians or quiet companions on this inner journey, adding a touch of playful mystery and reminding us that our inner worlds can be full of wonder.
And then, there are the "Kimochi" – the Feelings or Emotions – expressed so vividly through the warm, inviting colours and the almost dancing, open posture of the figure. The warm yellows and oranges of the dress seem to mirror the sun's joyful energy, suggesting optimism and vitality. These are balanced by the cool, calming blues and greens of the surroundings, perhaps representing tranquility and growth. Notice the little floating yellow dots scattered around – are they bursts of sudden joy? Lingering fireflies from a magical evening? Or perhaps tiny seeds of potential, waiting to sprout? They add a delightful touch of magic and lightness, representing those fleeting, often unspoken feelings and moments of insight that colour our days and make life rich. The brushstrokes themselves feel energetic, almost alive on the page, adding to the overall sense of life and gentle movement. The texture in the green background feels almost like a safe, textured cocoon holding the figure, while the patterned ground beneath suggests a foundation, perhaps the grounding nature of truly connecting with oneself.
Ultimately, this painting, for me, speaks volumes about the beautiful, intrinsic connection between the outer world (symbolized by the Sun's powerful yet gentle energy) and our rich inner landscape (our Heart, Mind, and ever-flowing Feelings). It’s an invitation to consciously allow warmth, light, and positivity into our lives, to take time to nurture our inner selves in that quiet 'Kokoro' space, and to acknowledge and let our genuine emotions flow freely and honestly, much like paint spreading across a canvas. It’s like how a wonderfully sunny day can instantly lift our collective mood, or how taking a quiet moment just to check in with our heart can bring unexpected clarity amidst chaos. Art, in its myriad forms, offers such a wonderful pathway to explore these vital connections, providing a safe space to simply be, feel, and express.
A Gentle Invitation for Your Reflection:
As you spend a moment with this illustration, perhaps it sparks something within you too. I invite you to gently consider:
What does sunshine, whether real sunlight on your skin or a metaphorical moment of brightness, awaken in you? How does it make your body and spirit feel?
How do you connect with your own "Kokoro," that inner space of peace, intuition, and being? Are there special places or practices that help you access it?
In what small, perhaps unnoticed ways do your "Kimochi," your unique feelings and emotions, add colour, depth, and light to your own life or the lives of those around you?
Or perhaps, what kind of gentle, hopeful music do you imagine playing softly in the background of this scene?
Sometimes, revisiting something we created long ago, like this simple painting, can offer surprisingly fresh perspectives and valuable reminders. It helps us remember that the simple, core elements of a fulfilling life – like the sun's reliable warmth, a heart connected to itself and others, and the courage to feel our honest emotions – remain timelessly important, no matter how much the world changes around us.
Thank you so much for taking the time to explore this little piece of my past and its reflections with me today. I truly hope it brought a little bit of sunshine, warmth, and perhaps a gentle thought-provoking moment to your day. May we all continue to find moments, big or small, to connect with our inner sun, our precious hearts, and our colourful feelings, often through the simple beauty that surrounds us and the boundless creativity that resides within us all.
Warmly,
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