“Sampaguitas and Cherry Blossoms,” 2021
Original: watercolor and digital

About
The sampaguita is one of Lola’s favorite flowers. It’s a species of jasmine that’s native to South and Southeast Asia, and it’s the national flower of the Philippines.

Cherry blossoms, meanwhile, aren’t officially the national flower of Japan, but they’re popular nonetheless. During World War II, they were used as propaganda to kindle nationalism among the Japanese people. These days, they’ve come to represent how fleeting and beautiful life can be, staying in bloom for just two weeks before their petals fall and scatter in the wind.

I wanted to show that the combination of resilient sampaguitas and transient cherry blossoms can be peaceful and harmonious.
Details
8"x10". Paper is 100 lb. heavy card stock, white, and acid-free. Numbered and signed by Kenneth.