 Artists
and Exhibits
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The spirit of Zen Buddhism, which created great swordsmen, and great
painters, as well as other craftsmen, has fallen into disuse. In those
days, the artist was a part of his brush, and he didn't even think of
what he was drawing, except for having the idea. The picture came from
his heart. Some of these wonderful artists were friends of mine, Mr. Yoshio
Kimura, Mr. Fuden Adachi, Mr. Eishiro Abe, Mr. Dochu Funaki, Mr. Katsuyoshi
Murata and some others, who, to my great sadness, have passed on. They
had friendly, warm and charming personalities!
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I have watched really great artists paint pictures in ink (sumie) in
10 or 15 minutes. They seem to go into a trance, or to be working in a
dream. Yet, when they finish, the picture is absolutely lovely, and full
of life. That is real artistry! I have seen potters, papermakers, and
silversmiths do the same. They really get into their work! I have seen
other artists who can do the same thing, but the Japanese seem to have
mastered the method. That is why Japanese art is admired all over the
world! It has "Heart."
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The Japanese are very lucky to have such wonderful artists! You, the
reader, are fortunate in that you can see magnificent works of art in
the many museums, and other exhibition halls to be found in every town
and city, in Japan. It may be, however, that you have not taken the time
or trouble to go to these lovely exhibitions to see what great things
the Japanese can produce. That is a terrible shame! It seems to me that
everyone should take advantage of the oportunities offered, to learn about
the Japanese culture. How I envy all the people who have seen everything!
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