A fellow traveler’s photo captured this charming moment at Nara’s Todaiji Temple during O.A.T.’s Japan’s Cultural Treasures adventure, which Wendy recreated in watercolor.
Wendy Kornfield is a first-time O.A.T. traveler and professional watercolor artist living in Miami, FL. Her work has earned recognition as a Signature member of the Miami and Florida Watercolor Societies, and has been showcased in exhibitions including the 2021 American Watercolor Society Online Exhibit. See more online at www.wendykornfieldart.com.
For any artist, travel can offer endless inspiration—and every interpretation of a destination is as unique as the artist herself. When Wendy created a sketchbook of watercolors inspired by Japan’s Cultural Treasures, which she dedicated to her fellow travelers, she opted not to focus on "typical tourist images." Instead, her paintings reveal what she personally found beautiful about Japan and its people: "their smiles, parents’ love for their children, and the natural beauty which they create in their daily lives and also in their beautiful and delicious food."
Wendy began her artistic journey in childhood, and refocused her creative energy toward painting after retiring from a successful career in graphic design. "I am on a journey of rediscovery and artistic growth," she says. "My work tells stories, capturing life’s fleeting moments and everyday nuances."
In Japan, this meant looking beyond Japan’s physical beauty and famous landmarks to gain a deeper understanding of the people. "I have never seen human kindness on this level," she says. "The Japanese people go out of their way, with purpose and intent, to help others. It is a beautiful society that runs efficiently and fairly."
Much of this efficiency can be attributed to the abundance of rules in Japanese culture—which took time for Wendy to fully understand. "Initially, when I saw many people in the street not talking or walking up certain sides of stairways, I thought it was robotic and crazy to have so many rules," she says.
"After a few days, I began to appreciate how these rules create a more respectful and organized society."
At O.A.T., we especially appreciate Wendy’s desire to focus on life versus landmarks—because this is what we strive to accomplish on all our adventures. We thank her for sharing her talents.
More of Wendy’s Sketches from Japan’s Cultural Treasures
Find your own inspiration in Japan’s singular culture when you join O.A.T. for Japan’s Cultural Treasures.
