Hello!
It has been a month since my opening event. There has been a lot going on in my life with travels and preparing for our move back to the U.S., but I have a little pocket of time to share about it.
The night of the show—the Spring Equinox— started out like a nice calm spring day then turned windy and cold that night. Typical spring! The Sakura trees in the neighborhood had not bloomed yet. There were a few small sakura to be seen but they were not ready to be fully bloomed.
It was a lovely time with everyone who was able to come and those who sent messages thinking of the show but were not able to make it. There was a lot of love and support from everyone. THANK YOU.
As much as I prepared ahead there were some last minute things that I needed help with. I want to thank my friend Sarah H. and Francois P. for reaching out to me and helping. THANK YOU.
Here are a few pictures of my lovely guest. I definitely did not get a chance to get a photo with each person that came. These people have inspired my work indirectly and some helped encourage me to put the show together. THANK YOU.
I had a best friend/artist/fellow military spouse come from Kyoto with her friend who wanted to come and see the show herself. I was honored to have them both be present for the special night. THANK YOU Marie and Shizuka for traveling to be there. *Pictured above*
Marie and I met 13 years ago in Alabama. We had an art show together in the local town and that happened almost exactly 12 years ago! Marie had just had her own book launch with her artwork the week before my show in Kyoto. Neither of us had collaborated on the timing of our projects but what a beautiful full circle moment for us to share our art here in Japan, and get together 12 years after our show together in Alabama. So much more to share on that story another time.
Last year, I created a book in Kyoto with Marie and another best friend+artist, Mercedes. We were instructed by a master bookmaker and created a little journal, wrapped in a piece of vintage kimono cloth.
In that class we also got to emboss the book. I decided on “Ichi-go Ichi-e” and my name ANNASTASHA in Hiragana. Mercedes and I just had a lovely tea ceremony experience earlier that day where we learned about the phrase. It was a perfect way to finish our Kyoto trip then and perfect for the Sakura collection opening event.
At the time I made the book I had no idea how I would use it. I took a book binding class in college with another best friend and I still have not brought myself to use those books —15 years later. I did not want the same thing to happen with this book.
A few months ago I remembered about the guest/visitor book I had at my BFA show in college. It is a place for people to write about what they think of your work, favorite pieces, connections and so on. I wanted to have something like that for this collection since I knew the people coming would have a connection to Sakuras.
It was not until the day of the show that I pulled the book down from my studio shelf when I realized the embossed phrase: ICHI-GO ICHI-E, meaning—once in a lifetime. The very phrase that I used to describe the sakura viewing and collection in my artist statement.
A full circle moment I had not planned. This demonstrates the thread of thoughts and themes in this collection have been long in the making and have been all encompassing of my experiences in Japan.
It was a joyful night shared by all ages, new and old friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. I am grateful for all those that came to see the artwork and be part of this event. I truly love the community and support I have here at Yokota. THANK YOU.
A special THANK YOU to my husband and sons for their patience over the last few months while I prepared for the show in so many ways. And for their help and patience while I took over the kitchen table and living room to turn our main living space —where couch jumping and ball throwing ensues almost daily—into an art gallery.
THANK YOU again for viewing my collection, your feedback and patience as I move. I am excited to continue talking about the different pieces individually and the upcoming prints. I am eager to set up my next studio space and paint again.
Artfully,
