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- Dec 13, 2005
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- 1,214
Sumiko is named for the traditional Japanese ink painting style of sumi-e, an art form that is very closely tied to the emotion used to create a piece and capturing the essence of the subjects it portrays. With her ink-washed hair and soft details, Sumiko's ghostly look aims to capture a solemn, poignant beauty. Her India ink cherry blossom branch design is a nod to the Zen Buddhist ideal of mujō (impermanence) that the world was abruptly reminded of when the March 11th earthquake shook Japan. To counteract the sorrow, Sumiko is accompanied by a paper crane: a symbol of hope that Japan will endure this crisis and continue to prosper in the future.
When I heard about the earthquake, I knew I had to do something. I have too many connections to the country and its people not to! I channeled my feelings about the incident into the pony you see above. I became fascinated with Japan at the age of 10 when I read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, and my interest hasn't waned since. I learned the basics of sumi-e painting when I was an exchange student in Tokyo my junior year of college in 2008. Memories of my year abroad and every other time I've been, all the people I've met, everything I've learned...I couldn't just sit and do nothing.
Sumiko was a G3 "Breezie" pony who was stripped bare and decorated with India-ink brush pens sealed with a clear acrylic spray. As she was made from a bait pony, there may be discoloration or a spot here and there: for sure there is one black dot on her NDS front leg. She was rehaired with G1 Bride pony donor tails dyed with alcohol ink and rinsed numerous times to ensure that the color will not run. I wouldn't qualify her as waterproof, and she's very delicate...definitely a display-only custom.
I've put her up for sale on an eBay charity auction with 100% of the selling cost going to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts. I'm hoping that eBay will help give her added exposure beyond the MLPTP Here is her auction link if you're interested (starting bid is $50): Custom My Little Pony "Sumiko" | eBay
She's also on DeviantArt: Sumiko by ~midori-no-ink
Thanks for looking
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