Springtime

SpringtimeAbout this Piece From the collection Springtime by Chi Ying In a gentle wash of aquamarine and pastel gold, two plump fish with tender, humanlike faces float toward each other in the still waters of an imagined spring. Their fins extend like petals, and beneath them, leafy green fronds cradle their encounter like blooming water plants. Snow like bubbles drift upwardnot cold, but playfuladding to the sense of lightness. This is not just a meeting of

a red-crowned crane perches beside a gently arching pine branch

celebration

describing the delicate fragrance of spring blossoms in cold water

resting against the dark

Representing prosperity and family abundance

It captures a childlike wonder for love—abundant

speckled fish—like spotted seal pups with childlike faces—float toward each other in a deep green forest sea

persimmons rest beside a delicately rendered parrot

reimagined here as a union of balance and serenity

and the apple pulses at the threshold of desire

and deeply entwined

A bare tree stretches upward against a wash of earthen brown