Ceramic Hearts
Digital Self Portrait
For this piece, I was inspired by the concept of "Kintsugi", the Japanese philosophy that all broken things can be beautiful again once mended with gold. Thus, a human is not forever broken when faced with hardship and trauma, but they can re-emerge more beautifully than ever if they put themselves back together again.
The Lily represents rebirth, which relates to the philosophy of kintsugi and is also a tattoo on my arm.
The Chinese calligraphy in the background says "My heart is full of gold veins, instead of cracks", which alludes to the concept of Kintsugi as well. As you can see, my skin is full of cracks but runs with gold. In addition, the gold and yellow color scheme relates to my Chinese-American heritage.
Although my expression may seem defeated, my body and head tilts upwards and forward to symbolize the hope I still have after trauma, heartbreak, and hardships. Multiple cracks are at my chest, particularly the heart, to emphasize how this area was "mended" over the most.
Project Details
Duration and Team
The project was given three weeks to complete and I created it by myself.
Software
Procreate
Deliverables
Final 11x17 digital drawing
Drawing Timelapse
Mood Board
The Art of Kintsugi
Artist Inspiration
Belladonna of Sadness
1973 Japanese animated art film produced by studio Mushi Production.
Inspired by the dramatic expressions and tragic, melancholy aura of the film's art.
Art of Yayu
Traditional and digital artist who tells stories through characters from ancient Chinese lore. Her art style imitates that of traditional Chinese scroll paintings and watercolors. The way she depicts the human form is sensual, captivating and hypnotic in her art.
