Thank you so much for telling me that!! I worried that I was straying too far off the topic of Japan... although in my mind the places are connected in a big way. Taos is so unique. I know I will be thinking of my time here for the rest of my life!
It really is, Daniel! Most residencies are three weeks, so this is such a gift to have this long span of time... and their other terms are even longer. Summer is their "short" term!
For some years my parents lived in Santa Fe. That area is lovely. I hope you can find a way to bring back some of the peace you’ve found when you leave.
The area is really unique and has so much culture. The fiesta in Santa Fe even is reminiscent of matsuri with the processions and music and the gathering of people in the plaza. I love Northern New Mexico. I also wonder if it is possible to bring the peace home with me... I also love being on the Big Island and always say I will bring that aloha back... but it never happens. Partly of course it is a state of mind, but I have started to feel that landscape and place can exert a strong power over our human imagination and maybe psyche.
Enjoy Taos! I hope you can find a place to live year-round that's more to your liking too. Personally, I don't know if I ever want to live in a house, especially looking at my parents & all the upkeep that goes into theirs. Perhaps a small one in Japan might be easier to manage...
The first photo reminds me of the tea ceremony seminar I went to in Belgium, it takes place at a nunnery. The rooms look very similar to your little writing room. Sometimes we would hear the nuns sing in the nearby chapel during our morning zazen. I almost wish I could've stayed another week just to write & wander around the fields observing the sky & the cows.
Thank you, Vanessa! I am with you. I hate having a big house... My dream is a small cottage... or something like this casita. And simple is best! I love the casita so much... 10 weeks is not enough! My house in Japan was perfect, though it was actually too big, we didn't often use the upstairs! xoxoxoxoxo
One of my university Japanese teachers was called Tochigi-sensei… she probably wasn’t from the prefecture but I still feel like I have to visit someday.
One of my tea ceremony Senpai was called Tochigi San! And it’s so funny because she was born and raised in Tochigi ❤️ It’s an absolutely beautiful town and I think it’s a place you would really love because of all the culture and dedication to the traditional arts. I was very happy there.
Beautiful rich description of your time in New Mexico. I do agree that an artist has to be in deep connection with their self in order to create. The Wurlitzer foundation seems to offer the true gift of time!
I really enjoy your Taos series. What an inspiring place. I have been to the area once seven years ago and I still often think about it.
Thank you so much for telling me that!! I worried that I was straying too far off the topic of Japan... although in my mind the places are connected in a big way. Taos is so unique. I know I will be thinking of my time here for the rest of my life!
10 weeks altogether (!)
Definitely a life-changing chunk of time.
It really is, Daniel! Most residencies are three weeks, so this is such a gift to have this long span of time... and their other terms are even longer. Summer is their "short" term!
For some years my parents lived in Santa Fe. That area is lovely. I hope you can find a way to bring back some of the peace you’ve found when you leave.
The area is really unique and has so much culture. The fiesta in Santa Fe even is reminiscent of matsuri with the processions and music and the gathering of people in the plaza. I love Northern New Mexico. I also wonder if it is possible to bring the peace home with me... I also love being on the Big Island and always say I will bring that aloha back... but it never happens. Partly of course it is a state of mind, but I have started to feel that landscape and place can exert a strong power over our human imagination and maybe psyche.
I love reading about your experiences. It takes guts to do it!
Thank you so much!!!!!
Enjoy Taos! I hope you can find a place to live year-round that's more to your liking too. Personally, I don't know if I ever want to live in a house, especially looking at my parents & all the upkeep that goes into theirs. Perhaps a small one in Japan might be easier to manage...
The first photo reminds me of the tea ceremony seminar I went to in Belgium, it takes place at a nunnery. The rooms look very similar to your little writing room. Sometimes we would hear the nuns sing in the nearby chapel during our morning zazen. I almost wish I could've stayed another week just to write & wander around the fields observing the sky & the cows.
Thank you, Vanessa! I am with you. I hate having a big house... My dream is a small cottage... or something like this casita. And simple is best! I love the casita so much... 10 weeks is not enough! My house in Japan was perfect, though it was actually too big, we didn't often use the upstairs! xoxoxoxoxo
Oh? If you don't mind sharing, whereabouts in Japan did you live? (doesn't sound like Tokyo haha)
Tochigi shi… a very sweet town filled with art galleries
That sounds lovely!
One of my university Japanese teachers was called Tochigi-sensei… she probably wasn’t from the prefecture but I still feel like I have to visit someday.
One of my tea ceremony Senpai was called Tochigi San! And it’s so funny because she was born and raised in Tochigi ❤️ It’s an absolutely beautiful town and I think it’s a place you would really love because of all the culture and dedication to the traditional arts. I was very happy there.
If only Hino weren’t a brand of truck.
PS Did I have a typo in this? Why Hino?
It’s just that the first thing that comes to mind when I hear “Hino” is trucks!
I lived in Hino for ten years, off Keio Line at Mogusaen....
Beautiful rich description of your time in New Mexico. I do agree that an artist has to be in deep connection with their self in order to create. The Wurlitzer foundation seems to offer the true gift of time!
I never understood this till now! But you are right. This has been surprisingly fruitful for me! xoxoxoxoxoxo