My first colored piece over two years ago. Crappy instagram picture lol.
It was inspired by an old Japanese folklore story about this Oni who was stalking some humans to devour. He had a liking for misery in his food, the more miserable and unhappy the person was, the better they tasted. He was watching this old couple fight, and he manipulated them for a few days. On the last day, his food was ripe enough. The couple were attacking one another and as they looked outside , they seen an injured bird on their doorstep. The couple quickly brought the bird in and nursed it back to health. The bird was able to fly and had a second chance at life. The old couple quickly apologized to each other and fell in love all over again. The compassion those two shared brought them back together and gave another creature a chance at life again.
The oni who was waiting in the bushes seen this act of compassion. Instead of eating the couple, he walked away….He seen compassion that day, and he kept walking…never to torture or kill another living being ever again.
The whole concept of the story in my eyes is to forgive and show compassion to all. Every time I see this oni mask on my arm, it reminds me of this story. And the great lesson it taught me.
