Monkey Year

Monkey Year: gouache on cradle board / Montana Black

My Year of the Monkey piece for a group show with the City of Las Vegas.  In researching this I discovered that monkeys like to eat peaches, and are often depicted with a peach in one paw.
“The peach has two symbolic meanings in Chinese culture: one is longevity, and the other is exorcising evil spirits.”
“The Monkey plays an important role in the daily lives of the Chinese people; its statue can still be seen on the kangs (a heatable brick bed in North China), ports, ferry crossings, troughs, and even temples.
The Monkey has many symbolic meanings in traditional Chinese culture which are highlighted by riches, honor, luck, and Almighty God. ”
Source: http://www.chinahighlights.com/

 Prints available here.

This Year Is Yours by Alfred Lord Tennyson

God built and launched this year for you;
Upon the bridge you stand;
It’s your ship, aye, your own ship,…
And you are in command.

Just what the twelve months’ trip will do
Rests wholly, solely, friend, with you.

Your logbook kept from day to day
My friend, what will it show?
Have you on your appointed way
Made progress, yes or no?

The log will tell, like guiding star,
The sort of captain that you are.

For weal or woe this year is yours;
Your ship is on life’s sea
Your acts, as captain, must decide
Whichever it shall be;

So now in starting on your trip,
Ask God to help you sail your ship.

Art: Vincent van Gogh