Saturday, March 1, 2014

Japanese Art



     It's been far too long and thus I apologize... again. I feel like I'm always doing that. Busy busy busy....commissioned pieces, custom works, stationary, hair, culture. So much. Jus the same I wanted to take a moment to write specifically about some Japanese art. Nothing to crazy or modern...we'll get to that later. For now just some crafty and historical creativity.
     Japanese art has always had a bit of a special spot in my heart because Japan was the origin spot for woodblock printmaking. Many know of the wave print but there are so many others. So many clean lined, subtle, crisp prints. These I draw inspiration from and most certainly deserve their due.
      We recently took part in a cultural event and were able to take part in many other arts and crafts. We were able t do Japanese calligraphy. Delicate, flowing writing that is deceivingly difficult.
      There is of course origami, which can also be difficult. It seems simple. You fold paper and it forms an object. A pretty little craft. However you can fumble your fingers and some shapes have an insurmountable quantity of folds, unfolds, folds and final folds. I think it's much easier when you can have someone walk you through it. We stated with the tulip because it's one of the easiest but by the end moved on to a koi fish.
     I may not always think of these activities in the same bubble as Picasso or Warhol, however they do have their place. I can appreciate the tedious detail, time and seemingly effortless appearance. They are beautiful, enjoyable and creatively challenging. It's nice to have participated in this event by such welcoming people.