1984: Daimonji

Summer 1984
Kyoto

Greetings to the tour and Juraku Dyeing Classes groups:

Life in Kyoto remains fast-paced, however the routine of a tourist has given way to the routine of a resident. At the end of the tour I moved into a spacious 4 room Japanese style apartment behind the Nishijin Textile Hall. Decor and life here remain simple and easy with my major energies devoted to work in the studio.

My exhibition at Gallery Maronie has led to many things: several magazine articles, one a 2 page in color, a show in Tokyo (enclosed announcement), a show at the Juraku Gallery in October and one in Osaka after that. All of this has meant a kind of non-stop schedule of working. I wanted to add some new work to the pieces I showed at Maronie for the show in Tokyo at Wacoal. I began some experiments in shibori with glove-as-image and after many failures I feel I finally have some successful works. I’ve had lots of detail help from Hijii-san and the staff at the Juraku office at the Gallery. Mounting (with nori), packing and shipping left to do.

I’ll return to Tokyo for about 10 days for the solo show, staying with John and Jim (actually, they are off to Hawaii and (Jim) the US so I won’t see much of them.) In addition to time at the gallery I plan to attend a performance or 2 at Kabuki-za hoping to see Tomasaburo Bando again. I will also have time to see some gallery shows and visit the museums.

I see the Fukumotos on a regular basis although less now that I am so busy in the studio. Ina Kozel was here about 2 weeks ago and we all got together here for an enjoyable dinner. Shihoko’s solo show of new works (some of which we saw in her studio) was very impressive. A few late leavers (Helen, Susan and Erika) plus Nancy Dolinch attended the lively opening party. This work was later shown at a large exhibition of obi and kimono held by the Juraku Co. Shigeki has just had his studio completely remodeled and I am anxious to see the results. All four Fukumotos have just returned from a short holiday in the Japan Alps and they send regards to everyone.

I have had recent letters from Gisela who says she is still on a high from her Fuji-san climb with Judy; Ellie who is enjoying the cool climate of Northern Michigan and hoping her sketch book left at Tani House will find its way home; and Louise who found London depressing after Japan but has made great discoveries of Aboriginal bags in several British museums.

The weather after the rainy season has been HOT — over 35c (90s) mainichi! The a/c studios have been a blessing in many ways — I have been up and down from 2nd to 3rd floors at Juraku. Fans keep me cool in the apartment at night. A few days ago, we felt the mild effect of Taifuu Ju (Typoon 10) with a day of rain and subsequent cooler weather.

August 16 is Daimonji in Kyoto — part of the Obon Holiday when many people take holidays to return to their hometowns to visit families and pay homage to their ancestors. In Kyoto bonfires are lit on the 5 mountains that surround the northern part of the city. I viewed the spectacle from Hijii-san’s roof and it was very impressive. The fires start in the east with big 大 (dai: great, large) and move from mountain to mountain. The first one has just about burned out when the last one is lit. This event is held to send the souls of the dead back to heaven. The city was thronged with visitors (I was nearly crushed on the subway) – much like the crowds at Gion Matsuri.

Shigeki has been working on plans for the Juraku International Textile Center and this year they include my solo show in October and one of his work following that. I will also give a lecture on SW American Indian textiles at the Juraku Villa and conduct a workshop for Japanese weavers on Peruvian tapestry techniques, both later this fall. Plans are now underway to offer the classes again next year with improvements based on this year’s experience.

I am also moving ahead with plans for a tour next year, perhaps a week earlier than this year. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I say it again: You were a great group, and it was a memorable experience for me. Needless-to-say I have not used the comforter yet but by the time I return from Tokyo in mid-September I’m sure it will be a constant companion. Thank you again for the beautiful gift.

I must tell you that Nihongo has not been completely neglected. I have started my twice-a-week lessons with the same teacher that I had last year. The major problem is that I can’t find the time to study for an hour or two each day to move ahead with greater speed. I do listen to radio and watch TV when I can. Other times I listen to a lot of Kitaro tapes that I made recently after joining a rental record club. His “Silk Road” soundtrack recordings are a real pleasure. I also discovered Vangelis’ soundtrack recording of “Antarctica” which if you are into “mind music” is another great one.

As the weather cools and I have a bit more time I will be exploring Kyoto once again. I now have a bike (on loan from Carolina from Australia) and use it daily to travel to and from the studio and on errands. I have made a habit of biking along the Kamo River after working all day. It’s quite marvelous (subarashii) from Imadegawa Dori north along the Kamo with the mountains spread out before you, the city far behind and the sky brushed with sunset. It’s another reminder that I’m tasting of paradise and savoring every minute.

Write when you can. Jaa, matta.

Sayoonara,

PS This letter, and many others, is being returned to Athens by “special courier” for economy posting.