Artist's commentary
Pseudomorph of Love
An illustration of Phosphophyllite from the manga series, Houseki no Kuni/Land of the Lustrous. This is a recreation of an abandoned work in progress drawing by Haruko Ichikawa, both writer and artist of the manga, in her art book, Pseudomorph of Love. Both versions of Phos are here, the first on the right with their mint-green hair and eyes, as well as their standard black outfit and shoes without socks. They are looking at the viewer with a cheery smile, lifting in the sky behind the Moon on Earth. Surrounding Phos is a bunch of flowers and grass blown from the wind, as well as the clouds, even given a hairband of flowers (likely made by Red Beryl). The Moon behind is white, almost the same color as the Gems.
The Phos on the left is their Post-Moon look, complete with the ultramarine blue head of Lapis Lazuli, the Agate legs of Aculeatus, the arms of liquid gold alloy, and the pearl eye granted by Aechmea. Along with all the new parts of their body, Phos is given a new outfit given by the Lunarians with sheer sleeves and pearl heels. They are looking at the viewer with gold tears in their one visible eye, showing that they are suffering. Surrounding Phos are all the different gems behind the Moon in space. The moon is red in this reflection of the drawing, implying a path of suffering and vengeance. In the far background, you can find Phos’ home on planet Earth.