Heike Diver

 

12x18

ink on bristol

I move slow on drawings at times. Sometimes because there are paying gigs in the way and at other times because I'm stuck or lazy or have a weird sort of gridlock because there are a lot of ideas to be had. 

This one was because I was stuck and then put aside for awhile. I'll have more on the process of creating this one in a future Substack.

So, what's this about? Some years ago, I learned of the Heike crabs found in Japan. They have on their carapace what looks to be the face of a samurai warrior, hence they are also known as the samurai crab. Legend has it that they began appearing after the Battle of Dan-no-ura at the end of the 12th century in feudal Japan. It was a fierce naval battle amounting with massive casualties across the board. It ended with the grandmother of the seven year old emperor of the Heike clan took him and jumped into the sea, drowning them both, instead of being captured by the enemy. These Heike crabs emerged with many believing them to be the reincarnated souls of the samurai warriors who died in the battle. 

And, I do like a good legend, so I incorporated a deep sea diver with the Heike crab/samurai warrior face/carapace. The imagery speaks something to me, not sure what at times, but how can I pass up a crab with a human face? I even added a touch of Hokusai in the background waves. 

If you have the interest, read up on the Heike crabs, the legend, the actual history that it is based on and so forth. It's a good story. And stories must be told.