Autumn Flower
The sweltering heat of summer is giving way to a cool breeze. Trees begin to change color, and the fields gradually empty. In the supermarket, the fresh harvest awaits eager shoppers. These days, I love strolling through the streets of my new city, searching for unexplored paths - whether in the heart of bustling downtown or along the quiet outskirts of the suburbs. Sometimes, I encounter a lazy cat basking in the sun, other times, I hop over small streams or stumble upon a hidden café, shrine, or candy store. Kumamoto feels like a treasure chest, waiting to be discovered. Lucy Maud Montgomery once wrote: I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
I feel you, sister.
To hone our creative skills, the Japanese Arts Masters Club, of which I have recently become a member, organized a cozy walk to a nearby field with a small river meandering through it. Surrounded by rolling mountains and lush green trees, the area felt like a slice of paradise. The vibrant Red Spider Lily, also known as the Autumn Flower and beloved in Japan, blooms here - its striking petals making it an ideal subject for sketching. We carefully selected a few of the prettiest specimens, unearthed them gently with their roots still intact, and brought them back to our classroom in small containers. There, the beautiful plants immediately became our models for drawing.
Armed with knives-sharpened pencils, soft watercolors, and a specific style in my mind, I set out to immortalize one of the flowers on thick paper. The result exceeded my expectations, giving me confidence that I might soon be ready to attempt my first painting in the style of traditional Japanese art. I haven’t decided yet on the motif for this creative milestone, but several ideas are already taking shape. I’ve even crafted my first small canvas - it’s waiting to be brought to life. But all in due time. Everything at its own pace. Because that’s one of the things I’ve already learnt here in my time in Japan: Good things take time - and it’s very important to always keep this in mind.