NaOmi
Shintani
botanical resilience
We humans are not the center of the universe. The Covid virus, reminded me that we are connected to all kinds of earthings that we can turn to for insight.
Walking in tree filtered light calms me, taking in
the patterns and aliveness of plants inspires me.
I feel my body take it all in, creating a grounded-ness and connection to the Earth. Plant wisdom gives me solace during turmoil and the unknown. This aroused me to create these
art pieces – to remind us to connect with the ancient flora spirit for resilience and support. Creating this art series was a meditation. I have a personal relationship with these plants and they provide me with lessons of resilience.
The different steps of researching, drawing, painting, sewing, and cutting gave me time to develop a closer relationship with them and honor their ways.
Media for series: eco recycled paper, Japanese sashiko stitching, watercolor and acrylic paint, paper cutting
It has special meaning for me. My childhood home had a beautiful one that I often gazed upon from our family room window. The japanese maple tree is viewed as a symbol elegance, beauty, and grace. Associated with peace and serenity they represent balance and practicality and are called "kito" in the Japanese language, which means "calm, rest or at peace."
Working with the Gingko tree fills me with strength. The ginkgo embodies resilience, even surviving an atomic bomb. They are a symbol of longevity, hope, and peace. Called a living fossil and can live for thousands of years. Medicinally it helps with memory improvement and increases the blood flow rate in capillaries and arteries.
The Horsetail plant is also called “eyes of fire”. They were the first plants to emerge following the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Equisetum is a "living fossil" - for over 100 million years it dominated the Paleozoic forests. The plant inspired John Napier to invent logarithms. It has used to support the urinary tract, kidneys, and connective tissues.
It has special meaning for me. My childhood home had a beautiful one that I often gazed upon from our family room window. The japanese maple tree is viewed as a symbol elegance, beauty, and grace. Associated with peace and serenity they represent balance and practicality and are called "kito" in the Japanese language, which means "calm, rest or at peace."
