Mya Christensen

My editorial layout depicts the Japanese maple tree (momiji) and an abstract brick wall torn apart by a devastating fire. I focused on including a cool, calming color scheme for the maple and more bold, eye-catching colors for the fire. The contrast between these color schemes creates distance between their meanings. As Wabi Sabi explains we need to let go of the past, I used the smudge tool to create almost a windy texture for the sky. The destroying of the brick wall pattern helps to convey that beauty can't always be sustainable and we need to constantly keep moving forward. Heart-wrenching events happen all around us and as Kyoto has changed over the years, fires are partly to blame. The simplicity of the Japanese maple tree is balanced by the harsh force of the fire; confidence will rise, but pain lies underneath the surface.