As a Japanese learner, I’ve been exposed to Japanese culture. I’ve learned their language and their history. I’ve learned their alphabets, yet one has stuck with me, Kanji. There are over 50,000 Kanji’s that can be used to create different phrases and meanings. As an artist, I wish to continue expressing my creativity and artwork through other mediums and cultures. I believe that by using Kanji I’ll have the opportunity to do so.

I created a painting that represents different aspects of beauty. Finding beauty in simple things like family, friends, and nature is so powerful and resonates with me. Therefore all the Kanji incorporated into this painting represent the beauty I see in certain things. One example is the kanji 月 which means moon. The main Kanji I used was 美 which is the kanji for beauty. I did this to demonstrate that all the other Kanjis made a connection when inside of 美. In addition to the kanji, I made sure to include Mount Fuji and the sun. Symbolic symbols of its culture. 

Just like this painting, I hope to continue learning about Japanese culture and incorporate it into my artwork. I started the art of calligraphy this year which was my inspiration for this painting. I added gold to enhance the appearance and beauty of the kanji. I want people to learn to love the art of words. Whether it be in English or any other language.