Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka > Koyasan > Tokyo

In 2019 my wife and I spent a few weeks exploring Japan, a precise and magical place. I took a lot of pictures during our 23,980 minutes in the country - even so there’s never enough time in Japan.

Japan played a big role in my development as an artist. My first creative passion was ceramics and my teacher was part of the American resurgence that borrowed from and engaged with the Japanese traditions. Pottery was a gateway into Japanese film, printmaking, and design. Endless treasures going back thousands of years.

One stylistic trait that permeates all my work is an attempt to balance between precision and looseness or spontaneity. I owe this to my study of Japanese ceramics - that and my time learning to improvise as a jazz saxophone player - but that’s a different story.

We spent some time practicing at one of the monasteries atop mount Koya. Home of Shingon Buddhism. It’s an ancient and magical place. Was humbling to witness and participate in the tradition.

I loved to see how supportive of their elders Japanese culture was. It really seems like the country provides resources to help everyone age with dignity.

Stickers. Food. Signage. Nearly organized gas pipes. Utility hole covers. It’s a visual language all of its own.

A few deep cuts - if you made it this far down the page, thanks for looking!