by Pixie Susan » Sat Apr 08, 2017 11:09 am
I wanted essentially the same thing for almost 15 yrs. I'm a fan of traditional Japanese and always have been. The Phoenix transcends all cultures and it's always held appeal to me. I hadn't gotten the large piece because of money, society's impressions, judgements, etc. The older I got, the more self actualized I became and I still wanted that Japanese Phoenix. So 15 years didn't seem like a rash decision. I watch people struggle and fight with cancer everyday at my job. I hold many a hand when they come to pass. I hear the regrets people have at the end of their lives and the "I wish I had" and the "what if's". Life is short. The needle is broken on my 'give a šh!t-o-meter' when it comes to others' opinions on any aspect of my life that doesn't directly involve their wellbeing. Therefore, when I was 39, I started an early bday present to myself. I'm 40 and have 2 more sessions on this massive mother and I love it. It isn't for others. It's for me. And it can't be taken from me.
So how did I come up with the actual design? When I was serious and ready to lay the money on the table, I researched artists based on their specialties ( traditional, new school, color, black/white, Japanese) and perused their portfolios. When I found one, I scheduled a consultation and submitted all the photos I could pertaining to subject and style. We met, talked a lot, he took notes and I paid a deposit. At the follow up he had the custom drawing ready, tweaked a couple things, resized, made his stencil and we got to work. I found someone whom I trusted in their artistry and interpretation. It's going to be on me forever, so I was patient.
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