Artist Statement:

 

Since I was twelve the story of SakuraLee has always lingered as my source of hope during tough moments. Her full name was my pen name, JuliaLee Harper, but I always called her Sakura because of how she blossomed and how she learned to let those around her be a positive influence in her life that encouraged them towards growth. The story as a whole is about self discovery, learning to face Demons that present themselves as mental challenges, and etc. within the main character; however, there lies romance which I aimed to capture in my book as well. I aimed to teach that to have true love/love unconditionally means to love yourself fully while being able to give it freely without ulterior motives. You can’t have one without the other, love is a balance of the heart. When there is an imbalance it becomes harder to love others as much as it becomes to love yourselves. I hoped to depict this in my writing and through some of the comic panels by showcasing internal struggles in both of the lovers present. For example, SakuraLee struggles to love herself as much as she loves others. It leaves her craving for a knight in shining armor which in itself is toxic for both parties. George Moon doesn’t present many issues, but he struggles with aggression and possessiveness. He fears losing Sakura to her mental health struggles, not realizing healing has to come from within. Love doesn’t mean invading someone’s space — it means making space for them to breathe.Over time, SakuraLee and George learn to give each other room — to heal together, even when they’re apart. They learn that true connection means having faith in each other’s strength, being ready to catch one another — not carry each other.