Akitsushima (Isle of the dragonfly)

In Japan the dragonfly is symbolic of strength, courage, victory, success and happiness.
Japanese families in the 11th century would use the dragonfly to decorate everything from furniture to cloths. The dragonfly was even used as a Samurai family crest.
Japanese legend tells of an emperor that was bitten by a horsefly. That horsefly was then eaten by a dragonfly. The emperor then named Japan "Akitsushima" which translates to Isle of the dragonfly.

Dragonhunter

Soaring playfully
Weaving through the ginkgo leaves
A moment of rest

Medium: watercolor and gouache
Original size: 9" x 11.5"
Created and copyrighted 2003
by Elizabeth Koval Maffeo

Orange Shadowdragon

Change of the season
Tombo blends into fall leaves
Bright orange and red

Medium: watercolor and gouache
Original size: 9" x 11.5"
Created and copyrighted 2003
by Elizabeth Koval Maffeo

April 2005 6:40pm on Air in NHK Channel 2 News hour. Wakayama, JAPAN.
The NHK-TV Reporter of Wakamaru Station asked Takata, Mariko-san to introduce the International Women’s Art Exhibition.

 Mariko-san explained the three international art pieces.  
One of the three was Elizabeth Koval Maffeo’s Tombo (dragonfly) Art series.  
She said that you live near San Francisco in the town called Benicia and that your art works are for natural museums.  
Also she said that Elizabeth's mother is Japanese, therefore her art has oriental influence.