Stamps & Logo: Origin

Wonder where the stamps I include with signatures come from? Or my website logo? The answer is Japan!

While in high school, I had the wonderful experience of going on exchange programs to Japan. The longest was two months in Otaru, which is on the northern island of Hokkaido. While there, my favourite new activity was Japanese Calligraphy, or Shodou, club which combined both my love of the Japanese language with a love for painting. 

This year, I caught up both with my wonderful friends from the Shodou club, but also had the opportunity to meet my calligraphy teacher, Mikami-sensei. In high school, Mikami-sensei made a beautiful set of stamps which he gifted to me when I was finishing my internship. These stamps reflect the Japanese Kanji he identified for my name (which mean “Blushing red Apple”) either in Kanji or one with with “Je” written over a stylized apple. These stamps are the source of my red signature and logo. 

While visiting this year, it was my pleasure to show him how I use these stamps, and give him a painting of Mount Rundle (stamp included). I’m forever grateful to the Shodou club and Mikami-sensei!