Ascension
It is an Asian phoenix rising from her nest, where her transformation occurred in a burning flame. In this drawing, she has risen and begun her flight, leaving the old. She is looking back at the nest of transformation with gratitude, acknowledging the pain and growth that took place there, before she leaps into the new space.
The Asian phoenix, Hoo-ou, is a wondrous creature believed to be made of seven different animals: giraffe, turtle, swallow, snake, deer, hen, and fish, a unique and inspiring combination.
This vision came to me vividly in my dream. I had a strong and clear feeling that this was important and that, later, I would express it in art form. Japanese sea-side cliffs influenced the landscape of this drawing.