Watercolor and pencil on board, 8X10.
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| Copyright 2021 Montgomery J Nelson |
The two themes I was reflecting on with this painting are death and renewal. On my mind as I drew and painted it: Momento mori and Mono No Aware. That is, remember that that you will die; and that we need to stay aware of our impermanence. My further intent was to counter momento mori / mono no aware with a spirit of mottaini and mushin with the kintsugi-repaired bowl and and the gold tooth.
This painting also reflects my love and appreciation of the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of Wabi-Sabi.
Leonard Koren wrote a lovely book on Wabi-Sabi, I believe it to be required reading for every artist.
In honor of the late Dr. Kathy Taylor, may a make a note on terminology? She was a delightful stickler on such things. The skull refers to all the bones of the head, including the facial bones (which of course includes the mandible). Cranium refers to the cranial bones that protect your brain.
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