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More from ~tsuki-no-neko

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April 1, 2008
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Views: 1,695 (4 today)
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:icontsuki-no-neko:
This is something that I started just for fun months ago, but after a trek across China with this young man, it transformed into something that meant so much more.

If you have followed my work for a while and read my journal, than you already knew that I left at the beginning of February for a 6 week journey across Asia. Three weeks in China and three weeks in Thailand. What happened while I was there was literally life changing.

What ended out happening was so beyond what I expected. I bonded so much with the young man in the painting that I ended out sacrificing a week in Thailand to stay an extra week in China with him. And even then, I didn't want to leave.

This lovely boy Jiexi is of course a native to China, making him the perfect guide for me while on my trip. But while I was there, I learned there was so much more beneath the exterior I had grown to know over the months leading up to the trip. I had always known he had an interest in seeing the world, but I had never known how beyond just an interest it was.

I am hardly going to sit here and say China is a horrible country, because to be completely honest, I grew quite used to it and miss it now. But over and over again I saw just how much he wanted to get away from it. How badly he wanted to start fresh somewhere else. He is dreaming of America with a fervor I can't describe.

Unfortunately, it is desperately difficult for a Chinese citizen to come to the US, even just to visit. So right now, it's still a dream. But it's a dream I want to see come true.

So this piece changed. And it is now dedicated to him. My beautiful friend, ever dreaming of America, and a future he thought he could only imagine. Never give up.


P.S. -- In case you are curious about the cities in the background, on the left is Shanghai and on the right is Houston, his hopeful destination.

P.S.S. -- Critique is fine and I don't mind, but please be gentle as this is a personal piece.



Time Elapsed: I honestly lost track on this one.
Size: 11"x17"
Programs Used: Adobe Photoshop CS3
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:iconkatsukuya:
Mood: Love ~katsukuya Jan 17, 2012  Student Traditional Artist
Such a beautiful piece of art :)

Houston? YAY I LIVE THERE! Someone actually wants to come here =D I do hope his dream comes true!

--
Keep moving forward, Never look back
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:icondiskojoe:
~diskojoe Mar 19, 2010  Professional Photographer
nice photoshop. i like how the transition from shanghai to houston looks so natural. i hope your friend makes it to houston. its a nice town to live in. great diversity here.
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:icontsuki-no-neko:
~tsuki-no-neko Mar 20, 2010  Professional Filmographer
Thank you. :) That was very much my intention, as if the two cities were practically indistinguishable from each other.

And I appreciate your good wishes. I'm afraid my friend remains in China, but continues to dream big.

--
Don't protrude the tartness and keenness out the staircase. :faint:
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:iconslaygal:
~SlayGal Apr 10, 2008
That is pretty much amazing.
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:icontsuki-no-neko:
~tsuki-no-neko Apr 11, 2008  Professional Filmographer
You are late to the party!

We had cake.

--
Don't protrude the tartness and keenness out the staircase. :faint:
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:iconslaygal:
~SlayGal Apr 12, 2008
Your friend should marry someone here for a green card and then get access to the country.

That works all the time in the movies.

^__^ I'm always late. I have a tendency to not check deviantart as often as I should.
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:icontsuki-no-neko:
~tsuki-no-neko Apr 12, 2008  Professional Filmographer
Are you implying something that results in awesome half Asian babies? >_> Because if so . . . .I might be convincingly game? lol

--
Don't protrude the tartness and keenness out the staircase. :faint:
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:iconslaygal:
~SlayGal Apr 15, 2008
Seriously. If he married you, then he would be an instant us citizen... Awesome, y/y?
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:icontsuki-no-neko:
~tsuki-no-neko Apr 15, 2008  Professional Filmographer
lol srsly

--
Don't protrude the tartness and keenness out the staircase. :faint:
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:iconlafhaha:
=lafhaha Apr 3, 2008  Professional Digital Artist
That's a really wonderful story and background to the painting...thanks for sharing!! I love fade from B&W to color...great job, hon!! :hug: It's good to see you back safely and in fine painting form! :D :hug:

--
www.BeKyoot.com
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