“Skin”

When I was in middle school, my parents gifted me a traditional Japanese calligraphy set.  It came with an ink stick, a water dish, brushes, a brush holder, a tiny spoon, a mixing dish, a stamp, and red stamp ink.  

I briefly played in the set, following the instructions of how to use the traditional method of mixing the water and ink stick to create enough ink to use on paper. 

I would write my name, and paint trees, etc. Then I would use the stamp to sign  my artwork as though I was still in an old dynasty, sending letters and illustrations to the emperor.

 “Skin” was created using this set.  

It was inspired by my struggles with body image, which developed at a young age, but really effected me during the time I received the calligraphy set.  

These struggles have stayed with me, on and off throughout the years, and are a huge influence in my life.  

Often times, it feels like I’m wearing layers of skin, and need to peel  them back in order to remember who I am inside and not so much what I look like on the outside.

In the image, the woman is sitting in a relaxed position, and layers of skin are exposing her true, trembling, terrified core.  

She is uncomfortable, bound, and armless. The skin reveals what she doesn’t want to show, and it’s only because she is in a vulnerable and relaxed position.

You can never get too comfortable. 

Stay Tuned, 

-Lund3on