I finally picked up my extra smooth ebony pencil and mars plastic eraser to stretch my fingers and imagination. I keep thinking about things to draw, usually in a series so there's some meaning and cohesiveness to what I'm trying to visually communicate. I've found the most authentic type of artwork is always real, genuine, true to the artist and is perfect in its' imperfection. When it's perfect, it's the voice of a smooth jazz singer or the sweet taste of the perfect tarte de pommes.
I remember my mother and aunts grew up going to Chinese Opera productions in Hong Kong. They were so excited by the marvel of costumes, vibrant characters and stories told through a series of thought through segments. As little girls, they often pretended they were the characters of the opera and wore pearl necklaces and painted their faces with joy.
This sketch is helping me create the final version...hopefully I'll chat with my mom more to get more inspiration :)