Monday, June 30, 2014

Fire Stormy Sky


This evening, right before nightfall, I happened to glance out of my condo window and spotted this beautiful sky. Courtesy of a thunderstorm, the warm fire sky was a sight to behold.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Wisconsin Backyard


What better way than spending my first week back in Wisconsin, enjoying my family in such a beautiful setting. As you can see, my parents love being outside. They spend many hours making their woodsy backyard, gardens, and flower patches making everything so lush. There's never too many flowers for my mom! 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

There's a Tiger out the Window!

Lattice windows on Bongwonsa Temple in Seoul
I love visiting the Buddhist temples in Korea. Even the newer ones have beautifully painted beams and wooden lattice windows with carved nature scenes. The tiger is a popular motif in Korean culture and is seen as a symbol of courage and power. Cranes, seen in the panel next to the right tiger one, are a symbol of longevity. Roosters are a symbol of intelligence and trust, and carp are associated with reproduction. The lotus flower is a revered symbol of creation and prosperity, while chrysanthemums signify elegance. Bamboo signifies fidelity and the pine tree is associated with longevity.

Even more symbols can be found on the walls of the Buddhist temples. I'd love to have someone explain about their many stories and meanings.



Tuesday, June 17, 2014

South India and South Korea Beaches

Although both of these beach photos contain similar colors, the contrasts couldn't be larger. Pricey, touristic well-developed beaches in South Korea, vs. the polluted fishing beaches of South India where its residents don't even have access to toilets.
Busan, South Korea
Chennai, south India

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Painted Trees and Beams

My last night in Seoul prior to heading back to Wisconsin for the summer. While it is the beauty of such painted (man-made and God-made) scenes I will hold on to visually, it is the lasting friendships I will cherish. Unlike the highly temporal beauty of the painted blossoms of spring, I pray that those human connections will last much longer. Until we meet again. 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Little Buddhas

Some delightful little Buddha figurines at Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea. Their locations are quite playful as well. I'd love to hear the story about these child-like pieces I've seen at most temples in Korea.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Flowers and Fruits

The offerings left at altars fascinate me. Amongst the many things here at Samgwangsa Temple in Busan for Buddha's birthday included items such as exotic and domestic flowers, exotic fruits, bags of rice, rice treats, and candles. I loved how glass bottles of Fanta and other soft drinks (with straws in them) adorned the small Buddhist altars in Thailand. What would you leave as  sign of your devotion?

Sunday, June 08, 2014

Point the Way, Fishie

When visiting the Gamcheon village in Busan (South Korea), these colorful folksy fish-themed signs cheerfully point the way for the many visitors eager to efficiently navigate through the narrow alleys of this hilly neighborhood. Personally, I love to wander, knowing that some of the most delightful scenes are off the beaten path. 


Saturday, June 07, 2014

A Maybe Wedding

While in Busan, I spotted this wedding hall. While wedding halls are common place to hold one's wedding in Korea, the name of this one bore a second look- Maybe? I wonder what the couple in the hanbok (traditional clothing) were thinking.

Thursday, June 05, 2014

Roses of Bukchon

Strolling through the older neighborhood of Seoul known as Bukchon is pleasant at any time. The rose bushes outside these homes added an extra touch of color and ornamentation to these already decorative buildings.


Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Sewol: A Nation Still in Mourning

On April 16, 2014, a tragedy off the southern coast of South Korea sent the entire nation in mourning. In the Sewol ferry accident, 288 of the 476 passengers lost their lives. Particularly devastating was the fact that most of those who perished were from a high school. Nearly two months later, emotions still run deep. The images here are from a memorial still up outside City Hall in Seoul. Yellow dominated the scene in the form of ribbons, paper boats, post-it notes, and more. Original artwork, carefully framed, filled a large section. Under a tent, official-looking people stood near a beautiful display of flowers. The entire area had a very somber mood. Perhaps the tone was further darkened by the grim news that yet another diver in search of the 16 victims still unaccounted for had died. 
Since the tragedy, many events throughout the country (including our school) have been canceled. Others have been quite subdued and more somber. 




Sunday, June 01, 2014

Delicate carvings of Wontongjeon Panel

Just finished my latest artwork - a color pencil drawing of a Seonamsa Buddhist temple door of in Suncheon, South Korea.

See more of my South Korea Artwork on Flickr, Melissa Enderle Artwork Facebook page, and Melissa Enderle website,