I created the base with Momi-gami (揉み紙 crumpled paper) method. It involves painting the base colors, letting them dry completely, covering the painting with white "gofun" (胡粉 oyster shell pigment), letting that dry completely, crumpling the paper, dusting off the white and watching the base colors appear in the cracks. 

Momigami was a fitting process for this artwork. The bright base colors got erased by white, evoking a sense of loss. It was crumpled up like trash, suggesting hurt & grief. But it created a large embrace that had not existed on a flat paper. To paint the leaves, I decided to surrender control by not making the paint colors in advance. Instead I just dipped the brush in different ratios of red and yellow pigments and used whatever hues of orange I got each time! It was interesting to observe which layer of pigments sank and which rose to the surface, based on the pigment’s particle sizes. I enjoyed being surprised by the colors and textures beyond my imagination. Similarly, I continue to be in awe of God who shields us from harmfierce attacks while keeping us in peace & tranquility. 

Psalm 3:3 carried me and my daughter through a very painful year. The sense of safety under God's shield reminded me of the comfort that I felt as a child climbing a tree and being surrounded by its strong branches. So I wanted to paint God the Shield as a beautiful foliage tree that is filled with light and warmth, even though this verse refers to the large shield that is used in war. I have discovered that while God is strong, He is also gentle and deeply loving down to the details (like the pointy tips of maple leaves!). Art allows me to move from the head (theoretical knowledge) to the heart and soul (embodied knowledge, Jewish idea of "knowing").

“But You, Lord, are a Shield around me, 

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.”

- Psalm 3:3