STORY BEHIND THE ART OF ASUKA HISHIKI

16th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and the Horticultural Society of New York

Turban Pumpkin

Cucurbita maxima

A turban pumpkin is one of the subjects which I always wanted to portray, but at the same time was afraid to. This is one of the classic subjects, and many great portraits of turban pumpkins are already out there. Last fall, I went to the Union Square farmers’ market to hunt for a subject. As usual, I didn’t have anything in my mind. (Once a while, I go there with a particular vegetable in my mind, but I try not to, because if I did not stay faithful to my plan, I would feel badly cheating on my fantasy subject.) As soon as I saw a small turban pumpkin in a pile, my heart started pumping fast. I wouldn’t have picked it if I didn’t plan on returning to Japan about a year later. I knew that in Japan I wouldn’t be able to find a turban pumpkin easily. So, I had to take up the challenge. At first, it was a little intimidating, but soon it turned into a joyful task. 

When I started painting the turban pumpkin, I checked and examined my subject from every angle, to understand the structure of the subject as well as to find the best look. This one looked great from several angles, and it took me a while to decide which side I should pick. Finally, I set it in a position and started to draw. The color came out nicely, and the shadows got deeper. Then suddenly, about two thirds of the way to the finish, a face appeared on my subject. It was like a face on the moon, a strange combination of the dents and bumps forming a face. I hadn't seen it before, but once I recognized it, I couldn't ignore it. I thought of starting over. However, I said to myself, "yes, the pumpkin has it, so why shouldn’t my painting!?" I love that kind of surprise in nature. I smiled and kept working. Some people will notice and it may make them smile too; some won't see it at all. 

Giant Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea

Kohlrabi was a quite ordinary love-at-first-sight subject. It was a warm early spring day. I didn’t mean to pick any vegetable on that day, rather, I was on the way to an early dinner at my friend's place. But since I was close to the market, I couldn’t pass it by. The kohlrabi was shining like an Egyptian treasure. I am not kidding! I stood frozen at the vendor’s stand, as usual, thinking whether I should take it or not. I knew the kohlrabi wouldn't survive at my friend’s apartment, because it was hot there and she had a crazy small fridge. I had already lost one of my market sweethearts there. Plan B was to take it back to my place, but that would take about one hour by subway, so it seemed to be mission impossible for our dinner plan. I gave it up and walked away. Stopped. Thought one more time, and went back to the vendor to make sure it was still there. Gave it up again. Took the subway. Got off and ran to the other side of the subway station to get back to Union Square. I was acting like a teenage boy who is walking indecisively around a girl before the prom. Finally, I called my friend to say that I would be late, bought the kohlrabi, jumped into the subway and went home. I was so happy! Like a boy who finally asked her out. She, the kohlrabi, was so gorgeous, and my prom was great. 

I wish I could describe my art work, because words can be so powerful. I experience things so vividly, I hear, feel, and especially, see things glamorously, but I cannot explain them well. The beauty which my eyes capture fades away with my words, so that the only way I can share it with others is to paint it. 

Next Story

Back to List

 Read more about this artist's work: 15th Annual