To Bontenmaru - [Sengoku Basara]

"I know that despite the constant courting that the darkness sends me; I was born to be a captain, I was born to etch a verse inside this mysterious body that is 'O life'."

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A big hello from a lovely local bookstore that sounds of Christmas music and smells of coffee and scones. I am in the process of moving to a new home at the moment, so communications and responses have been slow to say the least. But I wanted to post this piece for you all while I get back on my feet. 

A few days ago, I wrote a new journal entry entitled 'As Bontenmaru [Your daughter, whom seeks her wings]':
As Bontenmaru [your daughter whom seeks her wings]"You are strong, but you seem dissatisfied."
      On some days I feel like the small and frail Bontenmaru, but I know that I'll take my place as The Captain when the time is right.
For as long as I can remember, I've had to fight. This is not a unique condition for a life, as life itself is a great, great walk, but also a great great battle. But I cannot help but think that it's only the grace [upon grace upon grace] that has kept me alive.
Last week, someone I love lost a friend of theirs. They took their own life. Life was too much. I always wonder what it took for these people to break so deeply that death would be solace to them. Our first thought is always 'how could this be?'. Then I realize that I already know the answer. I've felt the answer in the past. It saddens me how we go from drawing caterpillars and reading picture books to putting our hands over our eyes and having our hearts physically shake from the fear, the pain, the anxiety.

And I've received many messages and dear, dear letters of how this piece resonated with the people who read it. I really appreciate the people who've taken time to express that, and I am above all, honored. I drew this piece as I wrote the journal entry, but I now want to dedicate it to the people who sent me all those letters, and to my dear friend kittykittyhunter who has given me a gift that I will cherish and keep close to my heart forever. Kitana, wherever you are; Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

For those of you who don't know, Date Masamune and the Date Clan meant and continue to mean a lot to me. Their stories have gotten me through a lot of the heavy years of my even younger days, and I truly feel a sense of connection and admiration for his story and the story of his retainers. I heavily respect and look up to them. I've put drawing Masamune to rest for the past year and a half or so, but I find myself returning to his character and his people.

I lately have also been moving in the concept of an older self visiting their younger self and comforting them during their dark times, letting them know of who they are and who they'll possibly become. I feel like it's a powerful image that I resonate with; I've been thinking about that sort of moment, and what it might mean to me, and it has been expressed in my art lately. I also really enjoyed coming back to using Japanese artists and designs as inspiration like I used to. I love how I can flow with it.

I hope you enjoy, this may become one of my newly-found favorites now.  

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UPDATE: As part of the November print release-- this artwork is now available as a print on Society6! - society6.com/longfallof1979/to…