I have been fascinated with cherry blossoms for quite some time now, for almost 10 years now. It is more than just the beauty that captures my eye.
My first painting/mixed media that had a cherry blossom theme was 9 years ago. It was an acrylic painting and I actually had put real dried cherry blossom petals in my painting. This was the start of my love of cherry blossoms. I always loved the season Spring, and that cherry blossoms represent life in Japanese culture.
Although cherry blossoms always had deep meaning to me, cherry blossoms and cherry blossom art symbolism became a philosophy that I now live by.
About 2 years ago, I was suddenly diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer which really rocked my world. After hearing the news, i sat down and thought: “Well, I have 2 main choices: Be miserable or decide this is going to bless me.” Choosing the ladder really took a lot of mind “will power” but was necessary for me.
The traditional cherry blossom art symbolism has 2 meanings:
- A time of hope and renewal
- The fact life is so beautiful but fleeting
I grabbed onto these mindsets going through cancer and found them to be very true and life changing. My cancer experience was life- changing: a chance to renew my mind and my spirit. it was also a time of hope and strength.
I realized life was so precious and not to be wasted. I think this was greatest lesson that I learned and still continue this lesson today.
I sat down during that time and asked myself: Am I the person I wanted to be? Am I doing what I am called to do? What is important to me? These questions shook my reality.
Was I the person I wanted to be? The answer surprised me: no. Was I going after things that were important and my dreams? The answer: not really.
I knew I had to make some major changes in my life- and I had to change me. Not that I wanted to be someone else: but change my character. Pursue what really matters. And I am still working on that today.
Cherry blossom art symbolism will still continue in my art. Here is my latest work: a water color of a cherry blossom branch:
This will be available soon as well as for prints and merchandise on Red bubble.
An update: I have some art projects,plans and ideas working in the mix. One of the things on the list is I will be seeking to add my images on some other sites. I also have an idea for a project as well as doing my normal fine art works on the side. More to come soon.
In the meantime, if you would like to support me, check out my Etsy and Redbubble sites:
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BobbiShawArts
Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/BobbiShawArts
Or give a follow/like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobbiShawArts/
Thanks so much for your support!
Bobbi
Bobbi Shaw Arts -Artist in Bucks County- Call 267-261-8075 