Blue Komainu 1, Acrylic on Paper, 18″ x 24″, 2016

I’ve been obsessed with the Komainu, guardian dogs, of Japan for sometime now. The idea of guardian spirits, guardian animals has always inspired me. Perhaps somewhere in this world at present I am longing for such creatures to surround me and my family. To take to the gates of our life and guard us, holding all that is hurtful, debilitating, and sickening at bay.

So, I find myself drawing these creatures a lot. Guardians of all sizes and shapes. Inspired by the statues of Japan and elsewhere, and filled and played with in my own language of color and line.

Perhaps soon they will come to life for me.