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Towards the last two months of my last visit to India in the spring of 2012, I encountered the Tibetan community in exile in India experiencing painful news of their people self-immolating in fire one after another in China-occupied Tibet. My experiences in the past visits in India (drawing a cremation site in Varanasi, documenting fire pits, cremation alters, and contemplating on life and death around fire) synchronized with this particular movement, an extreme way of ‘offering’ their bodies to ‘fire’ for asking freedom and peace.I could not help drawing large and small drawings as emotional response and with a sense of mourning.

After coming back to Vancouver, the self-immolation kept happening and I felt that my personal and professional task is not finished.

I have come back to India to continue to document and draw under the same theme. tomoyoihaya@hotmail.com

3 May 2026

Notice






Images: The invite from the latest Solo exhibition
'Together' at Mie Gallery, Mie, Japan


Images: The invite from the latest Solo exhibition
'Together' at Mie Gallery, Mie, Japan April 4 to 8 2026


NOTICE:


I have not posted a new post for several months due to a technical problems. 

Hopefully I will start posting a bit more. 


May a circle of collective wishes for peace and harmony permeate on this earth,

diminishing all negative actions fuelled by greed, anger and fear. 


Sincerely, Tomoyo aka Mountain Otter


PS Random notes:

 I appreciate you viewing this post.  I do not use any technology to manipulate. 

I am against using AI to draw.  I want to cultivate an unknown part of my mind and brain to make art and write, even though it is a struggle sometimes. 

I do not post these drawings for profit.  My blog is a form of protest, prayers and appeal for the better world. 

Please respect each image and do not violate copyright of the artist.