Boston Studio News - February 2012
| January has been flying by very quickly !..but Yes,I have continued to work on piecing my new work, and I have enjoyed some other social activities as well. |
 George Li,Piano Sunday,Jan 29,2012 Live Arts presents |
Especially, I enjoyed a special private concert as guests of some new friends
at their home. This was an introduction to some opera, a new experience for me, and an opportunity to make new friends and learn more some new customs. At the end of January I was very fortunate to enjoy a fabulous piano concert by George Li. He is a 16 year-old child PRODIGY who has already won many international prizes for his performances!!..Although he has not yet produced any CDs(I am sure,coming soon,lots!!)you can see some examples of his work on YouTube. I felt his style is very natural and very powerful. I am looking forward to seeing him again at another concert on February 5. http://www.georgelipianist.com/ |
| I am now focusing on preparation for my 2013 Jan exhibition in Tokyo,I have much more hard work to do. My purpose for making a Quilt is very clear; I am doing my best to create a beautiful work for enjoyment(Include Japanese textile history)by the next generation. I am continuing to use my best antique fabrics to preserve the heritage of the skilled craftsmen from more than 100 years ago. I am very happy to announce that my ten works in the permanent collection at the MFA-Boston are now available for viewing on line as a part of the works at the MFA's website for educators. This can be found at http://educators.mfa.org/ My purpose is not yet fully accomplished, I am now preparing for the selection of a package of 18 of my representative works. This includes examples from my very earlier works and progressing to my most recent works. These will be a part of my January 2013 exhibition. Then it is my hope and dream that these pieces will also become a part of a permanent museum collection so that they will also be preserved for the study and enjoyment by future generations of interested artists. 10 years ago I consistently sewed for at least 15 hours a day. Unfortunately I can not keep up the pace today, and must limit myself to 3 or 4 hours per day,even with the help of medicine to control the pain in my fingers,wrist,shoulder and back. I can not continue the hard work of weaving right now. But I never want to waste my time, so I want to help others develop their artistic skills. I also enjoy keeping busy helping young students with their artistic and musical talents. I am happy to announce that Noritaka Ito's piano concert at the Dante Aligheri Society in Cambridge, MA will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 18. You can see other details at Mr. Ito's website or Dante's Website. http://noritakaito.fc2web.com/page3.html http://www.dantealighieri.net/cambridge/ I have enjoyed my winter activities,and although it is cold,it is not as cold and not nearly as much snow as at my studio in Japan. It is pleasant enough that I have not had to hibernate like a bear in the winter!!!..I will up more later.. |
 Tomie's Boston studio |
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February 18(Sat) I have been working hard on my current project, but enjoyed a break on Saturday. I invited several friends(16)to my studio for an evening of delicious food,including lots of sushi,and music. |
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| The following are links to more information about Yoko Kida, pianist,
and Deborah Pae, cellist, who provided a fabulous concert in my Boston studio. http://www.northcountrychamberplayers.org/events.php http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/arts/music/19ax.html |
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| I began by chosing some lovely flowers at my favorite floral shop, Winston
Flowers. After a long day of cooking and preparation, I enjoyed a wonderful evening of music and conversation. Two friends from the New England Conservatory of Music, a pianist and cellist, provided a wonderful concert for everyone!!...These young musicians played with a youthful power, passion and enthusiasm that has invigorated me with a renewed dedication to continue with my best work for my current project!! |
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A friend recently introduced me to an interesting story about violinist
Joshua Bell that happened in 2007, but could very likely happen any day
of the week or year right now. He played a masterful performance as a street musician on the subway platform in Washington, DC for nearly an hour and no one stopped to listen and he collected only $39 for his performance (which he gave to violinist that loaned him the case to use to collect money from passersby). It made a significant impact on me to read this story. Not only did so many people pass up the chance to listen to this masterful music because they were in too much hurry with their daily life, but how many people also miss so much that every artist has to contribute to their life and well being. The world would be a much better place if more people could pause to enjoy the sounds and beauty of so many artists that surround them every day. If you would like to learn more, here are some links on the internet. Interview with Joshua Bell on NPR about the DC experiment: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9521098 Joshua Bellfs website: http://www.joshuabell.com/home |
