 Carving
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Traditionally, the Japanese have tried to reproduce objects seen, or
imagined, in some material such as: wood, ivory, bone, etc. The technique
of carving is really wonderful in the Sanin Area. The Iwami Ryu (Iwami
Way) of carving was so beautiful that I can never get enough of it. It
is really rare. There were few carvers, six or so. One was a gifted woman,
who did splendid work. I have seen and admired some of it.
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I love all carving, and collect the netsuke made in Japan. I have only
a few, but would truly enjoy meeting others with a similar hobby. Please
write to me. Japanese is O.K. One of the most famous contemporary workers
in wood, was Kisai Arakawa. He did all kinds of carving, including woodblock
prints. He was a wonderful artist! Another artist was Jodei Kobayashi,
who did the gates of the tomb of Fumaiko Matsudaira. I go to Gesshoji
just to see that marvellous piece of work.
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The Kiyomizu Temple Pagoda, has some beautiful carvings on all four
sides. Some are broken, but the art is great! The shrine at Izumo Taisha
also has many intricate carvings over the various entrances. All are greatly
admired. All over the Sanin area, we can find examples of carving which,
although unsigned, show the true spirit of the artist of the old days.
They were earnestly dedicated to producing an object of "truth"! An object
showing emotion! An object of perfection! These artists were diligent,
they did their work sincerely. Money was not a thing to be considered.
The best artists were recognized and honored.
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Many people think of the artist as "gone." However, I see them, in the
work they have done. That work makes them immortal! Their spirit lives
on! I think everyone should study some art form to show our appreciation
to the dedicated geniuses, who contributed such wonderful craftsmanship
to the Japanese culture.
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The youth of today must take up the ancient arts to preserve them for
their own children. It would be a great shame if they were lost due to
greed, or lust for money. If such art were followed, as your ancestors
did it, you would also get much money, if you achieved a degree of ability
to create the beauty that your forebears were capable of. The thing to
remember is that you have to try hard, work from the heart, and not to
give up. The last is probably the most important.
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If you persevere, you will succeed. The least important point to keep
in mind is "money." If you think about that, you will lose your dedication
to the art. It isn't worth it. I know too many artists, who have succumbed
to the greed for money, and the result has always been a decrease in the
quality of their work. If you want to be a good artist, do your best from
the heart, forgetting all else!
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