Senryu:
金椿 (Kin Tsubaki) Golden Camilla
In March 2023, For the first time! I had the honor of presenting a piece that intertwined my love for senryu poetry and my new interests in kiri-e art at the Japanese Culture Forum held at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures. The audience was distinguished, including professors from A&M and Rice University, as well as a representative from the Japan Consulate.
金椿,
富へあこがれ,
能力なし.
Kin Tsubaki.
Akogareno tomi.
Noryoku nashi.
Golden Camellia,
Yearning for wealth without the…
capability.
Kirie Art and Senryu:
For those unfamiliar, kirie art is the traditional Japanese craft of paper-cutting, where intricate designs are carved out of a single sheet of paper. It’s a practice that requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail—qualities that also resonate deeply with the art of senryu.
Senryu, a form of short Japanese poetry similar to haiku, captures moments of human emotion and experience with brevity and wit. When combined with kirie, these poems take on a visual dimension, making the words come alive in a new and captivating way.
Inspiration:
In the language of flowers, a yellow camellia often symbolizes longing and humility. This beautiful bloom reminds us of the delicate balance between our desires and our sense of self-worth.
As humans, we often find ourselves chasing financial wealth, believing it to be the ultimate measure of success. Yet, in this pursuit, we sometimes overlook the true essence of happiness and fulfillment. Life’s challenges can make us feel incapable of reaching our dreams, leading to feelings of frustration and longing.
However, the yellow camellia teaches us an important lesson: when we prioritize happiness and inner peace, true wealth follows. Striving for joy and contentment can bring riches far beyond material possessions. Like the golden camellia, our lives can flourish with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, radiating beauty and grace.
Embrace the humble yellow camellia as a reminder that the pursuit of happiness is the ultimate path to a rich and meaningful life. Let its golden petals inspire you to seek joy and fulfillment in every moment, knowing that true wealth lies in the heart.