In sumi-e you attempt to capture the essence with very few brushstrokes. Whooping Cranes “sing” together as part of their mating process. I wanted to convey the beauty of these birds who mate for life and their 'togetherness'. My signature stamp on this piece says “Heart/Mind/Spirit”

The painting is on hand made Japanese washi, which is a most unforgiving paper. Once a brushstroke is made it is permanent and if incorrect, one must begin the painting again.
All elements in my sumi-e works are hand made - paper, inkstick or sumi (ground with water just before painting - I prefer a blue-black ink), brush (in the Japanese technique one brush is used from start to finish). I hand-carve my name-stamps or hanko out of rock. Very ancient oriental characters are used for this. The hanko is part of the composition and the last thing added to the piece before mounting.
My husband makes my stretchers and frames. I put 2 coats of UV protective medium over the paper and use only conservation quality materials in the mounting process.