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Life is all about loving what we
do, isn't it? In 1993 when I was introduced to Japanese paper
art, I thought, hmmm, is there a way I could turn my passion for Japanese paper
and art into a full time job? Is enjoying what I do enough reason to
leave my job and work from home? Well, as I'm sure many artists will agree,
there are many ups and downs. But what business or career field is without ups
and downs?
One day a few weeks ago, along
came a reminder as to why I chose to be an artist. A friend and long time
customer called to ask if I would I like to do a commissioned piece as a
birthday present for her son, Bobby. I said, "Norma, you bet I would! The great
horned owl is in the works.
When I feel that energy and
excitement, I know that I'm moving in the right direction. Yesterday I received
yet another commission! A couple who saw The Clay Flower Pot at Art
Gallery 408 wanted a custom piece that would fit in a particular location and
asked if I could create a Chigirie using similar colors.
This brings to my next point. Look around you; If there's a favorite flower garden or
a location in your yard that you would like to capture on paper, I will gladly
accept commissions. Simply Email
or mail the photo of your idea to me in jpeg format. I'm accustomed to working
from photographs. Just keep in mind the issue of copyright. If it's not your
photograph or your garden, please don't ask me to reproduce it.
So, while the last few months have been a
time of reflection for me, I've also been consistently busy preparing for art
shows and exhibits. My husband and I are doing a show together at the Wyoming
County Courthouse in Tunkhannock. Collaboration will open on Friday,
April 4, 4-6 p.m. and run through May 29.
The next few months promise to be very challenging in terms of finding the
time to work.
I've updated
my gallery pages to reflect the pieces that are still available. Little by
little, I'll remove the sold pieces from the galleries and replace the images
with new art.
Limited edition giclee fine art prints are also available for many pieces.
If you're wondering how I do the collage or why the finished piece closely
resembles a watercolor, you'll be interested to know that
this technique consists of tearing and pasting
down pre-dyed handmade paper to create a composition which lends a
three-dimensional appeal, thereby bringing life to the art. I don't use a drop
of paint in the process. Instead, I layer sometimes hundreds of hand torn small pieces
of paper. It's tedious work but it's one area of my life where I have patience. The
secret is in the paper I use to develop the design, beautiful handmade
Japanese paper that offers endless opportunities for expression of fine details
and expansive landscapes. The finished Chigirie is a collage comparable to a
painting.
Payment is now safe, easy and hassle free from this web site. PayPal is a
convenient way to buy, offering a variety of payment options. If that doesn't
work for you, please visit the Contact Us/Policies for
details on payment options.
Please visit Page Nine if you're in need of an
architect or you'd like to learn more about his current projects. Contact
Kunihiko Matsui Architects to discuss
that building or renovation project you've been dreaming of. He also offers some
wonderful ideas for Japanese style homes and out buildings. Spring is
approaching and it's time to extract those ideas from your head and get busy
with your projects.
Web site last updated on
03/08/2008 09:34 PM
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