Years ago, I read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, and the story stayed with me. When I began thinking about how to open my series “Echoes of Her Culture” I felt compelled to start with this ancient art form. As I studied the role of geishas in Japanese culture, three of their most cherished virtues stood out to me: peace, beauty, and strength. From that inspiration, “Virtues of a Geisha” was born.
This triptych features three distinct geishas in traditional dress, each depicted in a moment emblematic of their way of life. Every panel blends the contrasting textures of polymer clay and wool. In the first panel, a geisha holds an umbrella, shielding herself from falling cherry blossoms. In the upper left corner appears the Japanese kanji for Peace (Heiwa). The second panel shows a geisha demurely hidden behind an intricately decorated uchiwa fan, alongside the kanji for Beauty (Utsukushii). The final panel captures a dancing geisha performing with traditional sensu fans, accompanied by the kanji for Strength (Chikara). Each panel is colored to reflect its virtue: blue and green for peace, tranquility, and harmony; pink and white for fleeting beauty and purity; and gold and indigo for divine power and nobility.
The work is needle‑felted with Merino sheep’s wool on a 100% wool felt backing, paired with Sculpey Premo polymer clay. Each panel measures 8" x 10" and is matted in cream and framed in a black wooden frame.
Details:
Years ago, I read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, and the story stayed with me. When I began thinking about how to open my series “Echoes of Her Culture” I felt compelled to start with this ancient art form. As I studied the role of geishas in Japanese culture, three of their most cherished virtues stood out to me: peace, beauty, and strength. From that inspiration, “Virtues of a Geisha” was born.
This triptych features three distinct geishas in traditional dress, each depicted in a moment emblematic of their way of life. Every panel blends the contrasting textures of polymer clay and wool. In the first panel, a geisha holds an umbrella, shielding herself from falling cherry blossoms. In the upper left corner appears the Japanese kanji for Peace (Heiwa). The second panel shows a geisha demurely hidden behind an intricately decorated uchiwa fan, alongside the kanji for Beauty (Utsukushii). The final panel captures a dancing geisha performing with traditional sensu fans, accompanied by the kanji for Strength (Chikara). Each panel is colored to reflect its virtue: blue and green for peace, tranquility, and harmony; pink and white for fleeting beauty and purity; and gold and indigo for divine power and nobility.
The work is needle‑felted with Merino sheep’s wool on a 100% wool felt backing, paired with Sculpey Premo polymer clay. Each panel measures 8" x 10" and is matted in cream and framed in a black wooden frame.
Details:
Image 1 of 10
Image 2 of 10
Image 3 of 10
Image 4 of 10
Image 5 of 10
Image 6 of 10
Image 7 of 10
Image 8 of 10
Image 9 of 10
Image 10 of 10
