Vision of Summer Vines

36" x 24"

Kitahara Hakushu, a Japanese poet of the early 20th century, was known for his sensual and prosodic poems. Later in his life, he lost his sight, but kept on producing powerful work reflecting his own adversity. The following Tanka is one example:

“Like a flame of fire

summer trumpet vines climb high

in the back of my comatose eyes.”

“Vision of Summer Vines” is dedicated to Hakushu with my prayer that should I become similarly impaired, I might still paint what I “see.”

corneas impaired--

trumpet vines

flames of fire

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. William Yee.