Wagaya (Our Home in Japanese)

Mixed media painting on plywood. 48 by 60 inches (Partly Warped, part of its uniqueness.) Wagaya (Our Home, Ma Maison, Mi Casa, Home): This artwork explores the concept of "home" not as a physical location, but as a deeply rooted state of being achieved through profound human connection. Vulnerability and Courage At the heart of the painting is a central figure depicted as a demon with an exposed stomach. This imagery serves as a powerful symbol of raw vulnerability, highlighting the immense courage required to lay bare one's deepest fears, flaws, and dreams to another person. The Internal Landscape Surrounding this central embrace is a complex internal landscape made up of flora, contrasting the delicate with the wild. Woven into the composition are faint inscriptions of words like "grace" and "demons," mapping out a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance. A Sanctuary of Acceptance Ultimately, the piece acts as a visual manifestation of the longing for transformative love. It illustrates the desire to find a sanctuary of mutual acceptance—a true home—where even one's inner demons are allowed to rest and find peace.