Today I'd like to show my hand-painted chopstick rests. These are probably the tiniest pieces I've ever painted. The shape is called hagoita. Traditionally, it's displayed during the New Year, so I painted these chopstick rests for the occasion. I think using special chopstick rests for the special occasion is nice.

They're tiny pieces, but it took over two months to finish them. I always think painting small pieces are more difficult, but it's always so much fun. I'm not too concerned about the finished pieces, but I care about the process. It's very important for me if it's fun. If I feel negative feelings such as frustration or irritation, I stop working on those pieces. I leave them unfinished until I feel I'm ready again.

Now, I'm painting a much larger piece, and I'll show you its finished one sometime soon.

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