Grace Yu Art Studio

Prayer Squirrel · 松鼠的祈愿

Prayer Squirrel · 松鼠的祈愿.

 I was inspired by a photograph I took while walking through a park. In that quiet moment, I noticed a little squirrel holding its paws together. Its peaceful expression made it look as though it were praying. 
In Chinese philosophy, there is a beautiful idea: 万物有灵 — all living things possess spirit. Looking at this tiny creature reminded me that humans are not the only beings who experience hunger, cold, fear, comfort, and the desire to survive. That moment inspired me to begin an Animal Prayer Series, imagining the silent wishes that animals might carry within them. 
Life is short, and every living being encounters difficult seasons. In this scratchboard, I added falling snow not simply as a winter setting, but as a symbol of hardship. Against the darkness, the squirrel quietly holds its paws together, surrounded by cold and snow, yet still carrying a sense of hope. 
There is a Chinese expression, 雪中送炭, literally “sending charcoal in the snow.” It means offering help at the moment someone needs it most. Through this artwork, I hope for a world with more of that kindness—not only beautiful words and good wishes, but compassion expressed through action. 
Perhaps the squirrel is praying for warmth. Perhaps for food, shelter, or simply another peaceful day.<br>And perhaps its prayer is also ours: 
May there be more kindness in times of hardship, more warmth in the cold, and more compassion for every living soul.
万物有灵，心有所愿。
愿世间多一些雪中送炭，
让每一个生命，都能在寒冬里遇见温暖。
— Grace Yu, Grace Yu Art Studio

Please feel free to comment below and give any suggestions. It’s my pleasure to communicate with you. For custom orders, email graceyu.artstudio@gmail.com.

If you enjoy the story behind my culturally influenced art and would like to support an authentic local Asian artist in Metro North Denver, feel free to Venmo or PayPal graceyu.artstudio@gmail.com for a custom order. Thanks for your support. Your support increases my motivation to create 🙂

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