Soon after the tsunami receded on March 11, 2011, leaving thousands dead and without homes, cherry trees began blossoming amid the debris. Sakura petals began to fall on the ravaged land and the striking sight inspired artist Yuri Shimojo to begin painting cherry blossom petals as a way to process her pain.

The repetitive act of painting flower petals became a form of ritual, akin to Buddhist monks counting each prayer bead. “By the time I stopped counting how many petals I had painted, I started to see each petal like a life. I conversed with each. I became them,” says Shimojo.

Learn more about her work, titled "Memonto Mori" over at Spoon & Tamago below.