Day 6 - #WorldWatercolorGroup - Reflections on Sushi Grocery Store Bought Package Packaging - #doodlewash
By Charlie

Reflections On Sushi

Written by Charlie O'Shields

I‘ve no idea how a prompt of “reflection” led me here, but we just had this sushi and so it was on my mind. I guess it fits, as this is packaged in a reflective plastic box since it was purchased at the local grocery on the way home. And it made me reflect on the fact that I actually never tried sushi until I was an adult. In the suburbs where I lived, the most exotic thing you could hope for was a Chinese buffet with bits of chicken breaded and covered in an orange sauce. If someone was feeling adventurous and wanted to escape into the big city for Japanese food, sushi was rarely on the menu. Instead, one would find themselves at a large table with strangers and a chef standing in the middle who was furiously slicing ingredients with lightning precision while flinging shrimp into everyone’s mouth. When I finally had the opportunity to try sushi, I was already out of college and approached it with some trepidation. Upon trying it, however, I was immediately hooked and have been a fan ever since. When you walk into our large grocery, it’s the first thing you see so it’s really hard to resist, even sitting uncermoniously in its plastic container. So it had to come home with me.

My favorite bit about eating sushi is adding a touch of wasabi. It’s particularly good if you have a bit of a cold and you’d like to clear your nasal passage in seconds. That said, no matter what I do, I always lose the game of trying to get just the right amount and get a hot head rush. I begin fanning my face like a mad man as though that would help in any significant way while crying like a baby. One would think I’d give up, but I always go back for more and, more often than not, end up giggling at just how stupid I am. It’s a really happy experience. Even when it just comes from the grocery store. We invested in some silver chopsticks to enjoy the event. They aren’t actually silver, but just share the same color and make the eating experience more festive. This is combined with red and blue ceramic fish meant to hold the chopsticks when they’re not in use. We get them out each time, but realize you have to actually stop eating at some point in order to properly enjoy them.

I’m sure it would be much better to visit an actual sushi restaurant, but eating at home is so much more comfortable. Until, of course, we’ve stuffed ourselves with so much sushi that the rice in our stomachs begins to expand in that angry way that deceives you into thinking you’re full. Within an hour, of course, we’re hungry again, but have a little less guilt enjoying dessert. I think these foods that I’ve come to experience only in adulthood hold a special place in my heart. If nothing else, I’ve a much shorter time to enjoy them so it makes each bite that much more precious. Whether it’s that amazing dish served only at a favorite restaurant or just a plastic pack of sushi grabbed in lust at the local market. Each little flavor is a reminder that my tastes have expanded and I can now experience the joy of a wider range of cuisine. And I can only hope there’s still more new food out there that I’ll try one day. A brilliant flavor to thrill me and make me excited to try it again. Until that time, I’ll just eat what I already love as I sit now, quietly enjoying my reflections on sushi.

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About the Doodlewash

Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Red Orange, Sennelier Red, Perylene Maroon, Olive Green, Phthalocyanine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop.
  Day 6 - #WorldWatercolorGroup - Reflections on Sushi Grocery Store Bought Package Packaging - #doodlewash

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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25 thoughts on “Reflections On Sushi”

  2. Of course, you not only had to paint sushi, but it had to be the most difficult image of it, in its plastic box with the transparent lid and the painted tray, and all the accoutrements – the bit of grass, the soy sauce packet tucked at one end, and even the label – At least you didn’t write that you only used Quinacridone (I’m sure that’s spelled wrong) gold and a charcoal stick that you sharpened in the bonfire and painted it in 30 minutes because you were in such a hurry.

    Seriously, if you like sushi, you might like a Poke bowl, all the rage out here. Scoops of chopped sushi-quality fish available in several flavors served over rice or lettuce with sprinkles of seaweed, sesame seed, scallions, a bit of avocado and even potato chips if you’re so inclined. Very tasty.

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  9. That’s a beautiful rendering of sushi, Charlie. Yum! I think most of us came upon it in adulthood, at least those of us over the age of 30. Food in the 50s and 60s was not very adventurous. (K)

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  10. I’ve never tried sushi, Charlie… I don’t know why, but I don’t think I ever will either… for some reason, I’m put off by it… great painting of it though… it is packaged nicely.
    ‘flinging shrimp into everyone’s mouth’ gave me a chuckle! It brought an image to mind of a group of people sitting around with their mouths wide open, similar to baby birds waiting to be fed! Hehehe!

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      1. It may be a little more entertaining if they did it with soup… or something equally messy! You wouldn’t go dressed to the nines,though… Sushi: Never say never, but for me this is high up there.

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