Baku II

Baku II

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

This is the second in a growing series of explorations in Baku imagery. I suppose it could expand into a general Yokai series. I’m not sure. It would definitely work.

Baku are complicated creatures as they are composites of several animals, the lion, elephant, rhinoceros and ox. I think that’s it.

Although from the many different images I’ve seen you’d never really know. I often think my dogs are rather “baku-ish.” They often provide me with inspiration.

As I said earlier, “complicated” – the imagery, the form itself and the question of approach is that way. A second go ’round with this same image with a different approach is tempting.

I have a third sketch of one, but not sure I’ll use it. While I need to move on to the next, it may be a while before it’s completed – summer perhaps. There are other projects being worked on simultaneously and it just takes time. I have to be patient.

Beetle Queen

Beetle Queen

It’s the bug season and they seem to be making quite a racket these days – it’s those （せみ）semi (cicadas)!  I’m not crazy about insects, but can’t ignore them either, so couldn’t really pass this one up when it showed up on Independent Lens recently.  It’s in Japanese (& subbed), so it’s likely I’ll watch it again.  There is an appeal.

A definite sign of spring

Usagi Hina Ningyo

Today’s the day.  The calendar may say winter, but this is a sure sign of spring – in so many ways.

Furoshiki

Furoshiki

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. The name furoshiki means “bath spread”, as in the 1600s they were used to bundle clothes while visiting public bath houses. Eventually, the furoshiki became popular for merchants to transport their wares or to protect and decorate a gift.…In Japan, it is considered impolite to offer a gift directly by hand so the furoshiki serves a useful purpose in an attractive manner.  – Dharma Trading

I don’t think I could have said it better and like the resources on the topic.

Shochumimai/書中見舞い

Shochumimai

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

In the dogs days of summer, in August, in Japan, it’s fairly traditional to send a summer greeting. These days, they may send one by “e” but by hand, of course, is better.

The 3rd – 5th graders began their “Matsuri” class with creating a “Shochuumimai” on fabric. They drew their cooling summer images, then added their greeting in hiragana. That part involved a quick lesson in hiragana and I thought they learned their lesson well.

おくりびと・Okuribito・Departures

おくりびと・Okuribito・Departures

I am without words when it comes to this film.

Perhaps none are needed.

More than 540 ways…

koi4330C

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

There are at least 540 ways to embellish a fish and the kids at Stough Elementary proved it. By the school year’s end, I will probably find that there are a lot more than that. Each student’s response was unique and that was the fun.

As this was a new workshop, I really didn’t know how this would work, if the kids would really respond to the “assignment,” whether it could be or should be accomplished in a class period (40 min. with a few minutes for context and instruction) and was it too easy or silly an idea? I was fortunate, all 540 students from K to 5th grade affirmed the deal. They loved it. The assignment couldn’t be accomplished in one class period though, but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The whole experience was akarui (light, fun, bright) as the kids were full of anticipation when they arrived, greeting me with giggles, bows and konnichiwa, then leaving with doumo and sayonara. From time to time, I did what I could to add to their vocabulary and they at least learned at bit of Japanese culture.

A lot of credit goes to the sensei who hosted me and prepared these students for my arrival.  She created the ambiance and helped me to stay on time and on track, assessing the situation as we moved through each presentation.  Things could not have gone more smoothly and it made the week very pleasurable.