Yoshioka Sachio: Master Dyer

Turning walnuts into dye

preparing the scarves for the dye

Paper used for temples

During our last trip to Kyoto, we had a tour of Yoshioka Sachio's studio; it was an enormous labyrinth with someone busy at work in every room.  Sachio dyes all the paper and fabric used in the temples using all natural dyes.  We watched a huge batch of silk string dyed in indigo, and he let us all dye little scarves in cochineal. I forgot how much I love working with textiles!

Miwa Yanagi

Miwa Yanagi and James Nakagawa

Miwa Yanagi's Fairytale series

We had the privilege of visiting Miwa Yanagi's studio in Kyoto.  Her work is mainly photographic, http://www.yanagimiwa.net/, but she is currently working on a play commenting on the lack of conceptual, Japanese artists.  She is drawing a parallel with Moholy-Nagy by having him visit Japan, introduce concept art, and have it be incorporated into Japanese culture during its introduction to the art world. She is incredibly intelligent and talented--it was indeed a treat to discuss these issues with her.

Geishas

Our last trip to Kyoto, we hung out in the area where most geishas are seen--the more expensive part of town holds the restaurants where their clients will wine and dine and be entertained by dance and traditional stories. We had the hardest time spotting one, but then in a matter of 15 minutes we crossed paths with 7 geishas, so lucky! They walk quickly and it is more than obvious they don't want their picture taken by tourists-- thus, most my pictures being a bit blurry, shoulda brought my flash! I felt bad following them around, but they completely fascinate me. 

The second patio is similar to the beer garden in this video. It's very hard to see, but there is a geisha sitting with this huge table of people, she is right in the middle of this picture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWo7vpygd60

Princess Pooch

Leah's Birthday Lunch

Homemade candle courtesy of James.

JUST SAY NO TO PERVERTS!

Kobe Beef in China Town

China Town

Year of the Tiger!

Kobe beef. mmmmmm!

I ate here two times in one night. And he remembered my name when we returned a couple weeks later.

Kai opening in Kobe

Kyoto Students

Mizno's glasses wrap around the ears so they don't fall off when bowing

Mizno

Dwarf Ears

National Museum of Art, Osaka

                                            
                                             http://www.nmao.go.jp/english/b3exhibition.html

Taking a break from photography, we ventured to the National Museum of Art to see a group of installations.  Many of the works were based on conceptual art, including the group, The Play.  This video work showed Thai Villagers commenting on their first look at Western art. It was a humous display of multiculturalism.

Hep 5 Ferris Wheel: 7 Stories High

Ferris Wheel located on the Hep 5 building

View from the top

everything is red in this building.