artist Sue A Holmes
date 27 February 2026
medium Acrylic pouring on canvas
dimensions 40 x 50 cm
Lantern Garden
Lantern Garden explores the quiet balance between stillness and new beginnings.
The dark tones of deep greens evoke the calm, mystery, and depth of a forest — a place of reflection and quiet growth. In contrast, vibrant pinks recall the colours of dawn, symbolising beauty, hope, and the excitement of new possibilities.
A neutral white bridges these two worlds, connecting the calm of the forest with the energy of a new day.
Within the bamboo grove, lanterns appear among the stems. The bamboo represents nature in its pure and untouched form, while the lanterns introduce a human presence. Together they symbolise a gentle harmony between nature and humanity.
The work consists of two connected panels: “Take no ko” and “Hikari e.”
Take no ko means “bamboo shoot” in Japanese.
Bamboo is often associated with calmness, resilience, and quiet strength. Growing quickly and straight toward the sky, it has long symbolised steady growth, inner balance, and a sense of spiritual mystery.
In this painting, the bamboo stems rise through the darkness of the forest, creating a feeling of stillness and depth.
Hidden within the composition is a message waiting to be discovered.
Look closely — can you find what it says?
take no ko
panel one
Hikari e means “toward the light” in Japanese.
This panel continues the story begun in Take no ko. It reflects the desire to grow toward brightness, possibility, and a future full of opportunity.
Together, the two paintings convey a simple yet powerful idea:
A bamboo shoot steadily growing toward the light.
Like its companion piece, this painting also contains a hidden message.
Can you read what it reveals?
hikari e
panel two