This stone, imbued with the naturally occurring image of a “Spirit Dancer” was found in a river in California and became part of the recent Viewing Stones exhibit at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, which I was fortunate to see over the Christmas Holidays. In the Suiseki tradition, ornamental stones shaped by nature are found in many forms which suggest familiar objects such as near of distant mountains, seascapes, figures of animals and other imaginative natural forms. Suiseki, also called Viewing Stones, is similar to the art of Bonsai, the art of growing miniature trees.
Tag Archives: japanese
Pink Thing of The Day: Soft Sculpture by Natsuko Hattori
Artist Statement:
Mocomoco (もこもこ) is a Japanese word that refers to a soft or puffy surface and the comforting feelings that one might get from holding a toy stuffed animal, or being wrapped up in a down coat. Fabric is my medium of choice because people everywhere can relate more easily to this material, which conveys warmth, natural softness and the intimate human touch. The act of wrapping is central to my sculptures. Continue reading Pink Thing of The Day: Soft Sculpture by Natsuko Hattori
Pink Thing of The Day: Pink Takochu!
Takochu are little plastic/acrylic Octopus toys manufactured by the Japanese company Pine. They stack on top of each other and are incredibly cute. A little bit of research on the Google indicates that they’ve been around for about four years and no longer appear to be readily available to purchase except on eBay. Huge bummer.
RIP Japanese Conceptual Artist On Kawara

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1979 By On Kawara (Photo By Gail)
I took the above photo during Geoffrey and my most recent visit to the Museum of Modern Art this past Saturday, at which time the artist who painted it, On Kawara, was still very much alive. And now, he’s dead, having passed away on July 10th, 2014 at his home in NYC, at the age of 81. He had a good, long life!
Read about the career and art of On Kawara in the Huffington Post’s excellent Obit, found at This Link.
Modern Art Monday Presents: Yayoi Kusama’s Accumulation No.1

Accumulation No. 1, 1962 (Photos By Gail)
Japanese sculptor, painter, writer, installation artist and performance artist Yayoi Kusama is one of my favorite living artists, because she is just so darn rad. This week, Yayoi makes her Modern Art Monday debut. Welcome, talented lady! Continue reading Modern Art Monday Presents: Yayoi Kusama’s Accumulation No.1


