Art Design: The Earth, Water, Air and Fire Element
The joy of painting on the sail of Olympic trainer, meditator, and mental coach Didier Charvet was indescribable. It was further heightened by his acquisition of one of my pieces, The Air Element, (Acrylic, 120cm x 120cm) which was showcased at the Japanese Embassy Event on March 7th, 2024.
There is no greater compliment to an artist than to have a fellow meditator deeply experience and connect with a painting. Didier had the same meditation teacher as I over the last few years, but we only met recently.
For me, those who acquire my art become part of an extended family, connected through the shared experience and energy of each piece.
When Didier traveled from Nice France to Brussels Belgium to pick up his painting, it marked the beginning of a unique and meaningful collaboration. The meditations we shared during ten days and the opportunity to paint on one of his sails was a dream come true, especially as the granddaughter of a Japanese sail designer. “I’ve always dreamed of painting on a sail but never knew how it could happen,” I recall thinking.
Now, this dream has expanded. I’m eager to work with Didier to create innovative sail designs, starting with a design for one of his kite surfs. “I envision art sailing across the water, embodying the spirit of those who are truly at one with the sea,” I muse. While my work has long been grounded in the element of earth, the call of the water has become impossible to ignore. It feels like an initiation—a journey where air and water merge in a new, fluid consistency.
Bringing Art to the Wind and Waves: A Vision for Transformative Sail Design
It is a dream for me to work with others to create sails that are vibrant, energetic expressions of the air and water element for the ocean. I am seeking visionary sponsors to bring a series of groundbreaking projects to life, each merging the beauty of art with the dynamic power of the wind and sea:
A. Kite Surf Experimentation: Beginning with a small kite surf sail, I aim to experiment with how my artwork interacts with the natural elements and the motion of the ocean. As a meditator and artist, I am particularly excited about synchronizing with the ocean, the sail, and the navigator. I’d like to start by working on a small sail for Didier Charvet, a seasoned professional whose deep expertise in mental focus, concentration, and understanding of the ocean and air elements has led countless young athletes to victory, including at the Olympic level. Didier excels in fostering teamwork, mental endurance, and calm assurance in any situation and has inspired me to envision creating sails for larger boats that transport freight to reduce the environmental imprint. He has also of course experimented in creating his own sail.
B. America’s Cup Showcase: Imagine meditative art sailing in one of the world’s most prestigious arenas—the America’s Cup. Here, art would not only enhance the sails but also synchronize with the inner aspirations of the boat’s navigator and crew. This project could include meditation and mental training for the team, alongside showcasing innovative sail design. It could showcase innovative sail design and elevate inspirational art in sailing, creating a unique visual experience on the world stage linked to the water and air element.
C. Large-Scale Environmental Initiative: This is more than just sail design; it’s an environmental statement. “Within the transportation sector, shipping claims the third position in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, comprising 11% of the total, trailing closely behind passenger vehicles at 39% and medium to heavy trucks at 23%. Due to the increase in global trade and the demand for maritime carriage of goods, the sector’s carbon footprint, primarily because of CO2, is poised to potentially surge by 50% to 250% by the year 2050 if proactive measures are not taken.” (source, global-co2-emissions).
I envision creating with others interactive, large-scale sails that resonate with both the air and ocean, serving as a powerful symbol of our connection to nature.
I seek collaboration with an international leader or sponsor in climate change and ocean conservation. This leader could finance and I create sails for several emerging companies, with different designs but the same signature to mark that the brand is about using wind energy; across even competing emerging companies. Having worked with entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, the idea is that while only one or two of these companies might emerge as a leader, the success and visibility of each will help the others.
We could also work with venture capital companies interested in supporting boats that transport large cargo with sails : using an uplifting design on the sail and wind with a combination of other technologies (like a hybrid car) rather than continuing to increase the carbon imprint of the planet with current freight. Knowing that transportation of goods by the ocean account for a large amount of the carbon imprint, there is something to be done with wind power and sails. The sail design will captivate an audience and will create its own mark on the ocean.
My contribution to these projects is original, heartfelt artwork, which, with expert collaboration, will be meticulously transferred onto sail materials. These designs will inspire, uplift, and bring a new dimension to the art of sailing.
Once a painting chosen we can work with experts to put it at the right size on the right material experimenting with the design and fabrics and most importantly synch with the founder of the company, or the navigator if used competitively.
The Spirit of the Earth : A Prototype in the Making
In collaboration with Julien Vandonjon, a graphic designer, photographer, and arts supporter from the Non-Peut-etre Gallery in Brussels, we created a simple quick prototype sail design based on my painting The Spirit of the Earth. This design, derived from an exquisite creation process in Singapore, represents just the beginning. Future designs will evolve through meditation, collaboration with a financial sponsor, and ongoing partnerships with sailors, adapting each piece of art to the unique characteristics of the sail, boat, and journey.
Imagine a sail design that not only powers a boat but also harmonizes with the sailor’s inner journey—a truly uplifting and inspiring experience for all involved.
A Legacy of Sail Design
Sail design is in my genes. My Japanese grandfather, based in Hakodate, was both a sail designer and a kimono shop owner. He not only painted and designed sails but also developed unique dyes and held patents for his innovations. I fondly remember his atelier, a large space behind the kimono shop where he worked on his designs, and as a child, I would run around the basins where he once dyed cloth. It has long been a dream of mine to contribute to this field in memory of him. To create sail art that moves with the wind and water, evoking a deep connection to the natural world, would be a tribute to his legacy.
In continuation of his work, I would like to create paintings on sails that can be experienced on the ocean as a positive environmental connection. With him in my heart and the honor to work with navigators who have always kept the ocean, the wind, the currents in their heart, I believe we can go far.
STARTING WITH A FIRST SIMPLE SAIL SEEKING SPONSOR
For the first sail project, I envision starting small: creating a sail for Didier Charvet, an Olympic trainer, mental coach, and meditator, for his personal use. This project will allow us to explore the synergy between art, wind, and water elements on a functional sail.
Together with exceptional individuals who know boats and the ocean as well as meditation like Didier, I believe we can innovate and uplift. While I admit I have no experience in this field, I am always incredibly fortunate to find the best people who do know. I am open to collaborating with other passionate navigators, owners or creators of sails who appreciate the water element, inner silence and the power of the wind —ideally near Nice or Biarritz.
I seek a financial sponsor—someone passionate about sailing, art or meditation. This sponsor could provide financial support for my art including working with Didier, an innovative sail company, a graphic designer, material costs, and travel, or even offer an existing sail and workspace for us to use. Your involvement could range from financing to contributing resources, allowing us to bring this vision to life.
With my multi-faceted background (Amherst College, HEC MBA, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy), I’m ready to explore broader ideas for innovation with inspirational art, financing, and marketing within the sail and maritime industries. To connect people who may otherwise not work together.
Join Me on This Transformative Journey
I invite you to be part of something extraordinary. This project is not just about art or sailing; it’s about transformation. By meditating and collaborating with a team of researchers, sponsors, and sailors, we can create something that transcends the ordinary—a project that is uplifting, inspiring, and truly transformative for everyone involved. If this vision resonates with you, I would love to discuss how we can make it a reality together. Even if you don’t meditate or don’t dare, but you simply enjoy the painting or design let’s talk.
T
