A Happy New Year! We wish you all the best for this year!
Looking back at the end of the last year, we were happy to have many interesting and exciting projects. We are so grateful. Last year in two words for us was “Going Deep” on the different aspects of painting and art. It has been such an interesting and transformative year.
We went deep on:
” Sumi ink, the ink stick”
We visited the oldest Sumi maker to see and learn the process of making, and the different variations in soot and binding agents, and we started teaching how to use those materials.
” Mineral Pigments”
We learned from the pigment maker about the pigment-making process and the stones they make the pigments from. And we started collecting samples of these beautiful stones.
” Drawing figure”
We held our figure drawing class exhibition in the Ome city Museum in Tokyo. That was great.
” Figurative expression”
We started working with new models and dancers to explore deeper figurative expressions.
” Deities”
We had a few commission works of deities, and we researched them, and Cole painted them. It was mounted on the traditional scroll beautifully. We also had translation work about Mitake Shukuho, the priest lodgings.
” Kakejiku, traditional painting scroll”
Cole started learning from the master maker of this art this summer. The experience has been amazing. Working creatively with the master is such an incredible opportunity.
” International”
The border control in Japan opened again this year, and we had more visitors from the U.S.! We were happy to have them over at our place and being able to send our important works to their beautiful home is our joy.
This year, we would like to work on more “Sharing stories.” We have many stories and beautiful things to share. We found many interesting and beautiful things on our journey and would love to share them. That’s something we will work on this year!
We always wish you all the best and a healthy year, 2023 ♡♡