Sometimes I feel that the history of Japan is my history, too. I am not Asian and have never been to Japan, but my mother spent so much time there before I was born, and she brought Japanese history to my early years in the form of photos, phrases and artifacts. There was one book in particular which was published in sections. Each section was a black and white pictorial history of a particular region, or a particular aspect of Japanese culture, all of it very different from the Japan of today. Even before I could read, I would spend hours turning the pages of those books and imagine myself into each of the scenes. I felt as at home inside that book as any place else, and I grew a deep love and respect for the culture and the people of Japan.
This weekend was Matsuri. I bought a bit of washi paper and a few anime charms. A few tiny snippets of one of the papers made its way into today's Gothic Arch. The theme for the week is "History", so this arch is my "Japanese History". Among other things, my collage includes part of a photo from the Instant Memories book, "Travel", a page from a Japanese paperback, and a Chinese chop: "long life".
Love your arch of Japan. Great colors, so rich. TFS
Posted by: Lyneen | February 24, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Wooooooooooooooow what a stunning design. Great theme on your arch. Love it.
Posted by: Sandy | February 24, 2008 at 11:09 PM
The Quints are a family that I help and volunteer my time to help the mother who has her hands full... they are not mine. Thanks for visiting my blog.... and commenting on my arch... Lyneen
Posted by: Lyneen | February 24, 2008 at 11:47 PM
great oriental lok!!! love it very much!!
Posted by: femmy | February 25, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Fabulous!!
Posted by: Hermine | February 25, 2008 at 03:45 AM
It's a beautiful Arch!
Posted by: Janny | February 25, 2008 at 03:49 AM
Fabulous arch.
Very very nice!!!
Posted by: Trudie | February 25, 2008 at 05:33 AM
Great arch!
Debby
Posted by: debby | February 25, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Beautiful and original arch. Love the strong colour combination!
Posted by: Frieda Oxenham | February 25, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Great arch!Original interpretation of the theme!
Posted by: Nellie | February 25, 2008 at 02:09 PM
What a wonderful theme... love the images and the colours.
Posted by: Silvia | February 25, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Fantastic arch - very stunning with the Japanese ephemera!
Judy NZ
Posted by: Judy NZ | February 25, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I just love the story you wrote to accompany your fantastic arch. It is so personal and enhances the gorgeous artwork. Thank you for participating this week.
Posted by: Heather Robinson | February 25, 2008 at 05:48 PM
What a great arch!
Posted by: Caryl | February 25, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Wonderful!
Posted by: Caryl | February 25, 2008 at 07:00 PM
What a lovely story and a beautiful arch. Your mom sounds fascinating.
Posted by: Tami Bayer | February 25, 2008 at 11:12 PM
very beautiful arch !
Posted by: filetta | February 26, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Wonderful arch!
Posted by: rein | February 26, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Wow..fabulous arch. Just beautiful! I enjoyed you story too.
Posted by: Kriss | February 26, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Wonderful piece!
Posted by: Mary-Beth | February 26, 2008 at 02:51 PM
gorgeous arch! I love reading about your life here on your blog and how you incorporate it into your artwork!
Posted by: Nancy Maxwell James | February 26, 2008 at 06:39 PM
It was great to read the history behind the artwork. A very beautiful collage of fond memories. It would be great if you ever do get the chance to visit in person.
Posted by: surrealmuse | February 27, 2008 at 06:58 PM