No. 8 of my 2018 world series challenge is Mount Fuji, Japan.
Mount Fuji (富士山 ), located on Honshu Island, is the highest mountain in Japan (12,389 ft). It lies about 60 miles south-west of Tokyo (and can be seen from there on a clear day) and is an active volcano that last erupted in 1708. Mount Fuji’s symmetrical cone, which is snow-capped for about 5 months a year, is a well-known symbol of Japan and has inspired artists and poets and been the object of pilgrimage for centuries. UNESCO recognizes 25 sites of cultural interest within the Mt. Fuji locality. These 25 locations include the mountain and the shrine, Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, as well as the Taisekiji Head Temple founded in 1290, later immortalized by Japanese artist Hokusai.
The illustration is 29 x 29cm created with acrylic and ink on acrylic paper. A view of the mountain painted in blue hues with a contrast of colourful cherry blossom in the foreground. Japan has always been highest on our list of places to visit and it will always hold a fascination for me. On the surface at least, i’ve grown up on it’s culture through animations and games… later to discover influential fine artists and thought provoking novels. But i’m determined to travel there one day and experience the country first hand. I’ve seen some wonderful travel journals from fellow illustrators and artists who have wandered here so i’d love an opportunity to capture some more in depth images of Japan in my own style.
You can follow along with my world series here on the studio blog, facebook, twitter or instagram.
Next up: No.9 – The Statue of Liberty