
THE STORY OF "A NEW BEGINNING"
The air of dawn was crisp, springing with the scent of blossoming flowers and excitement. Life begins anew this time of year. A place longing for light, shedding darkness, awakening to a new phase of life — a place full of the joys of occasion and opportunity.
In their native Japan, cherry blossoms are seen as a symbol of such new beginnings. On this late March morning, the monumentous University of Washington quad — artfully lined with blooming cherry trees — would soon trade the solitary peacefulness of dawn with a festival-style gathering of enamored blossom connoisseurs, an annual celebration of beginning anew. Yes, it is the season to be jubilant.
They all celebrate hanami, “flower viewing” — a centuries-old Japanese tradition of gathering with friends and family to admire the cherry blossoms. Soon, friends and family will gather here once more, to celebrate yet another joyous transition: the commencement of the graduating class, a leap toward the life of their dreams, coinciding with the blooming blossoms — nature’s nod to the beauty of their new beginning.
HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE LIMITED EDITION OF 99 | Seattle, WA

MY ART & YOUR INSPIRATION GIVE BACK
I am a proud member of 1% for the Planet and its mission of protecting our only home. The concept is simple: The land has given me much, so I want to give back. That’s why I have committed to donate 1% of every sale of every artwork to select nonprofits that are working to protect the land shown in your piece. That means, over its life in my gallery, A NEW BEGINNING will generate roughly $2000 in donations for the National Forest Foundation.