Tag: Tokyo news

Art Of Buddhism and Shintoism sharing the same Japanese Tree

Posted in Buddhism, Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, Nature, ShintoismTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Art Of Buddhism and Shintoism sharing the same Japanese Tree

Unlike the Islamist sword that cut down the tree of Buddhism and Hinduism in Afghanistan and other parts of Asia, the faiths and philosophies of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism have impacted greatly on Japan. Of course, the impact of all four had golden periods. Hence, while Confucianism and Taoism remain embedded in various areas of Japanese culture to varying degrees, it is Buddhism and Shintoism that remains firmly in the mindset.

In the latest art piece by the contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi, she reflects and deflects the reality of nature in various ways. On the one hand, the holy men walking towards a temple and shrine highlight the Buddhist and Shinto theme. However, the natural angle is based on reflecting reality.

For example, rather than heavy snow on the mountaintop, the snow is thicker on lowland areas. Equally, the adorable pink tree in the middle of the Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine is more akin to a warmer climate and different season. Likewise, the misty lowland scene and lovely blue skyline are meant to resemble the fusions and confusions of life.

Nichiren, one of the most famous holy Buddhist teachers from the land of the rising sun, uttered, “Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. The heavenly gods will surely protect one who is unbending before the eight winds.”

Likewise, despite the climatic conditions and skyline of Utsumi’s art piece appearing outside the norm of nature, the holy men of Buddhism and Shintoism remain unbending. Similarly, the attitude of Utsumi towards art neither craves recognition or material gain. Therefore, the spirit of the kami flows naturally between European and Japanese themes for Utsumi; the upshot is that chaos and conformity are just nuances to be expressed and manipulated.

Overall, the art piece titled“Art Of Buddhism and Shintoism sharing the same Japanese Tree,” is not only extremely beautiful to the eye, but it is also aesthetically appealing based on the chaos theory. Yet, while the chaos theory exists the beauty of Utsumi is that continuity is equally important. This is based on Buddhism and Shintoism that flows naturally in Japan, even if the words and edicts are vague to non-existent depending on applying to each respective faith.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/exiled-buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-the-snow-sawako-utsumi.html – Exiled Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in the Snow

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/art-of-japan-and-the-two-paths-of-shintoism-and-buddhism-holy-men-in-the-snow-without-abraham-sawako-utsumi.html Art of Japan and the Two Paths of Shintoism and Buddhism: Holy Men in the Snow without Abraham

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/art-of-buddhism-and-shintoism-and-two-paths-in-the-snow-sawako-utsumi.html Art of Buddhism and Shintoism and Two Paths in the Snow

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-in-exile-and-homage-to-yoshitoshi-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren in Exile and Homage to Yoshitoshi

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/buddhist-cleric-nichiren-and-bleak-winter-in-exile-sawako-utsumi.html Buddhist Cleric Nichiren and Bleak Winter in Exile

http://sawakoart.com

Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire through Japanese eyes: Buddhism, Christianity, and Shintoism

Posted in Art of England, British culture, Christian Art, Churches, Landscapes, Nature, YorkshireTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire through Japanese eyes: Buddhism, Christianity, and Shintoism

The contemporary Japanese artist, Sawako Utsumi, who hails from Northern Japan, once more creates a lovely art piece. Spiritually, her background is based on Shintoism and tinged with Buddhism based on the cultural legacy. Yet, in general, the Shinto faith predominates despite paying deep respect during her visit to Buddhist temples. However, aspects of Christianity also appeal to Utsumi, even if this is in the cultural realm and based on small Christian churches appearing like folk Shintoism.

Unsurprisingly, Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire appealed greatly to Utsumi based on visual images of this Grade I listed building. In her mindset, the terrible events of the Dissolution (1536-1541) – or the Dissolution of the Monasteries – can be understood, to a degree, by the stunning grounds and buildings that remain of Fountains Abbey. This relates to the legacy of the spiritual effect that Fountains Abbey is still blessed with despite the terrible events of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

In other words, the secularization of modern-day Japan and the United Kingdom are creating a religious vacuum that is being entered by new “soulless cultures.” The upshot of this is that major Christian Cathedrals in the United Kingdom – just like potent Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in places like Koyasan, Kyoto, Nara, Nikko, and others – are important popular windows into a past that is often far-away from everyday life. Hence, these major centers of religion in Japan and the United Kingdom are still attracting countless numbers of people; despite vast numbers of ordinary Buddhist, Christian, and Shinto holy places struggling to attract worshippers in big numbers. However, often people who visit or pray are disconnected with the real tenets of the respective faiths based on secularization and modernization.

One can only imagine the utter devastation and disconnection felt by many Christian holy people and lay people during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Likewise, in post World War Two in the land of the rising sun, it is clear that Buddhism and Shintoism were put on a back burner. This is based on the demands of America put on Japan and the collaboration of Japanese political elites. Therefore, the new mantra focused heavily on modernization and high technology fused with many precepts that apply to Confucian logic in the realm of ethics and educational attainment.

The New Statesman reports, “It is said that Japanese marry in a Shinto ritual and live life with Confucian ethics, and the deceased is buried and its soul is transformed into ancestors in a Buddhist ritual. These three events are essential factors in a person’s life and the Japanese religions are centered round these three elements, birth, living and death.”

Hence, just like Shinto focuses on ancestors, Utsumi witnesses Fountains Abbey based on a plethora of different factors. For example, the spiritual realm of Fountains Abbey survives both the Dissolution of the Monasteries and modern-day secularization. Therefore, despite Fountains Abbey being but a shadow of a once thriving Christian holy place, just like Shinto ancestors that have long perished, the spiritual psyche remains potent based on the connection of the senses.

Utsumi is utilizing the life of the river by imbuing this flowing continuity inside the remnants of what is left of Fountains Abbey. In this sense, the power of nature in Shinto is a duality of the river within the spiritual mindset when visualizing – or visiting – the delightful Fountains Abbey. In other words, despite the passages of time the spiritual dimension of Fountains Abbey remains potent – just like nature – despite the countless upheavals done by humanity.

Overall, the end result is a delightful art piece by Utsumi who is fusing many themes. This is witnessed by the equal importance of the flowing life of the river that represents the spirituality that Fountains Abbey is blessed with, despite the terrible events of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Therefore, nature and spirituality come together to create a multi-dimensional effect to this gorgeous art piece by Utsumi.

Lee Jay Walker

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/fountains-abbey-in-yorkshire-through-japanese-eyes-sawako-utsumi.html

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/art-of-japan-and-the-two-paths-of-shintoism-and-buddhism-holy-men-in-the-snow-without-abraham-sawako-utsumi.html

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/spirit-of-shinto-and-ukiyo-e-in-the-light-of-nature-sawako-utsumi.html

http://sawakoart.com

https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-faith-column/2007/06/birth-life-japanese-shinto

 

Japan art and Mount Fuji: Suzuki Kiitsu in color by Sawako Utsumi and the flow of Sakai Hōitsu

Posted in Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, Nature, Rinpa artTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

 

Japan art and Mount Fuji: Suzuki Kiitsu in color by Sawako Utsumi and the flow of Sakai Hōitsu

The Japanese contemporary artist, Sawako Utsumi, once more produces an adorable art piece based on rinpa (rimpa). In the past, Utsumi heavily focused on Sakai Hōitsu (1761-1828) in relation to rinpa. However, in her latest art piece, the emphasis is on Suzuki Kiitsu (1796-1858). Despite this, and in the knowledge that Hōitsu taught the young Kiitsu before passing away from this world, Utsumi fuses aspects of both but based on her own unique personal artistic traits.

In the art piece titled “Suzuki Kiitsu in color by Sawako Utsumi and the flow of Sakai Hōitsu”, she fuses aspects of Kiitsu (original by Kiitsu below) with Hōitsu based on the mountain landscape. Equally, Utsumi utilizes her own independent color scheme of “Hōitsu through the eyes of modernity turned backward,” when completing “Suzuki Kiitsu in color by Sawako Utsumi and the flow of Sakai Hōitsu” by giving the impression of a natural linkage.

However, in truth, the color scheme and landscape linkage are based on the intricacy of Utsumi who adores many angles to Japanese and European art. This results in the trick of the imagination because both originals are more distant toward each other. Therefore, the creativity and imagination of Utsumi are based on her personal artistic qualities – and the fact that she bases trust on her non-artistic mentor who fuses his personal psychological angle.

Utsumi’s rinpa and the cultural angle is ignited by the richness of high culture that flourished in Kamakura, Koyasan, Kyoto, Nara, Nikko, and other areas over many centuries. Hence, the lore of old Japan, the Meiji Era, and aspects of European art dwell within the artistic spirit of Utsumi. Similarly, her independent landscapes belie more than what the eye can see.

Overall, with Mount Fuji being central to her latest art piece, it is important to focus on both “Hōitsu through the eyes of modernity turned backward” and “Suzuki Kiitsu in color by Sawako Utsumi and the flow of Sakai Hōitsu.” By doing so, the fusions of Hōitsu and Kiitsu are clearly noticeable. Likewise, the independent spirit of Utsumi and her mentor can be felt through the color scheme and the bigger picture that exists outside the limitations of words. Therefore, another adorable art piece can be viewed in isolation – in relation to linkage – in relation to fusions – and based on the psychological undertones that speak no words.

by Lee Jay Walker

SUPPORT Sawako Utsumi –

SUPPORT Sawako Utsumi – Support creators you love. Buy a Coffee for sawakoart with Ko-fi.com https://ko-fi.com/C1C2RONX PLEASE DONATE

http://sawakoart.com

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/japan-art-and-mount-fuji-suzuki-kiitsu-in-color-by-sawako-utsumi-sawako-utsumi.html

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/hoitsu-through-the-eyes-of-modernity-turned-backward-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

 

Japan art and stunning angle to Sakai Hōitsu who belongs to the Edo Period by Sawako Utsumi

Posted in Japanese Art, Japanese culture, Landscapes, Nature, Rinpa artTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Japan art and stunning angle to Sakai Hōitsu who belongs to the Edo Period by Sawako Utsumi

In the latest art piece by Sawako Utsumi, this contemporary artist focuses on the rinpa (rimpa) finesse of Sakai Hōitsu (1761-1828). Hōitsu, himself, adored Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716) and in time he revitalized the memory of Kōrin. This, in turn, brought Kōrin to a new generation of artists in Japan. Hence, Utsumi respects many classical artists belonging to the Edo Period.

Utsumi’s latest art piece titled “Hōitsu through the eyes of modernity turned backward” is extremely stunning. This applies to her individual style of color that focuses on the original by Hōitsu (original by Hōitsu below) but through the emphasis of modernity. Yet, in Utsumi’s version of modernity, it is a connection with the rich high culture of Japan.

Ironically, the yearning of the past, albeit the cultural past that ignited Kamakura, Koyasan, Kyoto, Nara, Nikko, and others areas of high culture and religious learning; is equally shared by Utsumi who hopes that continuity will also bless a new generation in modern Japan. This passion can be felt in her latest art piece titled “Hōitsu through the eyes of modernity turned backward,”

In a past article, I state, “Utsumi isn’t restrained by time and different approaches to art. This really works a treat and the same applies to fusing the richness of her individual internal creativity, with the natural beauty of past European and Japanese artists. The upshot of this really shines through the art of Utsumi because her passion is never dimmed.”

Overall, the latest art piece by Utsumi shines through just like the mountain stands firm and remains strong irrespective of time. Equally, the adorable color scheme and beauty of nature pulls at the heart.

Lee Jay Walker

http://sawakoart.com

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

 

 

Contemporary Japanese artist and adorable landscape titled “Hakone in Natural Splendor”

Posted in Japanese Art, Landscapes, NatureTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Contemporary Japanese artist and adorable landscape titled “Hakone in Natural Splendor”

The contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi recently produced another adorable art piece that focused on the natural landscape of Hakone. True to the nature of Utsumi, she bypassed the possibility of focusing on Mount Fuji that can be seen in parts of Hakone and other more famous landmarks. Instead, the first impression of Hakone inspired her, rather than the vast majority of tourists who move on to other parts of Hakone on arrival.

In the art piece titled “Hakone in Natural Splendor,” Utsumi focuses strongly on the stunning river that flows in the vicinity of your arrival. This applies to people arriving via the Hakone-Yumoto train station before the majority of tourists moving on to other parts of Hakone. Of course, some people stay in this part of Hakone because of several fine hotels and spas. However, in general, it is a base to moving to other areas because of the stunning natural scenery of Hakone, the rich cultural heritage, and religious setting and legacy of Shintoism.

Utsumi, herself, adores walking by rivers and streams because she loves nature and watching birds – notably kingfishers and dippers that illuminate the natural settings. Hence, it seemed natural that Utsumi would focus heavily on the river based on the twists and curves – and various colors that hit the eyes.

She states, “Walking by the river is where I can escape the stresses of life. It is where nature and the flow of water seem free from the terrible excesses of humanity. Yet, in truth, even the most serene landscape can be an illusion because of pollution and the struggle to survive. Despite this, in moments of wanton forgetfulness, I can dream about a world outside of negativity when I walk along the river bank.”

Overall, just like tourists seek to escape modern life by visiting amazing tourist areas like Hakone, the artist also enables you to escape because of the stunning landscape Utsumi produces. Hence, the river and mountain landscape renders the impact of humans to be secondary and inconsequential. Therefore, another adorable art piece by the contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi based on the richness of nature.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/hakone-in-natural-splendor-sawako-utsumi.html

http://sawakoart.com

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

Japanese artist illuminates a classic Dutch art piece by Hendrick Avercamp

Posted in Dutch Art, LandscapesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Japanese artist illuminates a classic Dutch art piece by Hendrick Avercamp

The contemporary Japanese artist Sawako Utsumi is once more focusing on the world of Dutch art. This time it is Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634), unlike past art pieces that focused on Esaias van de Velde (1587-1630) and Aert van der Neer (1603-1677). Therefore, the delightful different color scheme and various different angles once more come to the fore in the latest art piece by Utsumi.

Avercamp had to overcome adversity because it is widely believed he was deaf and a mute. This is based on documentation that stipulates his name being the Kampen Mute. Hence, one can only imagine how Avercamp overcame such obstacles and how society treated him.

Irrespective of this, his early landscapes were extremely impressive. At the same time, Avercamp was inclined to include anecdotes that challenge the ideas of religious fervor in this period of history. For example, in the art piece titled “Winter Landscape with Skaters,” you have a couple making love and other interesting anecdotes.

Turning back to Utsumi, this artist focuses on the original art piece titled “Winter Scene on a Canal” and then alters it dramatically based on the color scheme and other areas. This notably applies to the rapid reduction of people and houses that seem more magical. Therefore, as usual, Utsumi creates a delightful art piece called “The Illumination of Avercamp through the Prism of Japanese Eyes.”

On the Rijks Museum website, it stipulates, “Avercamp had originally been taught in Amsterdam by Pieter Isacksz, and specialized in winter landscapes. He adopted the Flemish tradition, which was continued in Amsterdam by Gilles van Coninxloo and Pieter Vinckboons. Avercamp’s early landscapes have a clear narrative in style, often containing risqué anecdotes. Later, his work acquired a more atmospheric quality.”

Over the last year, Utsumi is increasingly focused on oil paintings and this is clearly creating a greater level of creativity, passion, and generating a delightful angle to her art. Equally, the subject matter influenced heavily by Lee Jay Walker, is very unique. Hence, subject matters including Buddhism, Dutch art from the seventeenth century, the Kano School, Northern England, and Shintoism is extremely unique and based on the magical fusion of an amazing artist who continues to grow and develop – along with the creative ideas of her non-artistic mentor.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/rijksstudio/artists/hendrick-avercamp

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi personal website

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-artistic-touch-to-esaias-van-der-velde-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-artistic-light-of-esaias-van-de-velde-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-reflection-of-esaias-van-de-velde-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/esaias-van-de-velde-in-japanese-light-sawako-utsumi.html

Japan Artist inspired by Alfred Sisley: Tranquility through Japanese eyes and cultural warning

Posted in Churches, Cityscapes, French Art, LandscapesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Japan Artist inspired by Alfred Sisley: Tranquility through Japanese eyes and cultural warning

 

The artist Alfred Sisley painted many adorable landscapes through the medium of impressionism. Yet, to many individuals with limited knowledge of art, his name remains relatively unknown in comparison with other impressionist artists. However, this doesn’t distract from the elegant art he produced throughout his life.

Sawako Utsumi, who hails from modern Japan, respects the intricacies of Sisley who produced many exquisite landscapes. Impressionism also remains powerful in modern Japan. Therefore, Utsumi focuses on tranquility and an almost mythical view of modern France that is blighted by many ills – from high crime to Islamist terrorism that is altering the image of this nation.

Equally important, many famous Japanese artists viewed France with utmost respect after the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Hence, many late nineteenth and early twentieth century artists from Japan resided in Paris – and other parts of France – for various periods of time. In this sense, the power of French culture remains vivid in Japan in the area of art, architecture, fashion, food, and other areas.

Utsumi, interestingly, omits the shadow of the buildings that twinkle in the river by Sisley (original by Alfred Sisley below). Also, fascinatingly, Utsumi pronounces the Christian cross in the art piece that is titled, “Japan Artist and the Radiant Nuance Inspired by Alfred Sisley.”

Equally noticeable, Utsumi’s cloudy sky punctuated by a lovely sky blue is more optimistic and feels warm. The same can be said about the buildings looking modern, progressive, and in tune with hope and continuity. However, Utsumi offsets the river by a storm that may be in the making. Therefore, is the Christian cross a warning that a new darker Sunni Islamist faith seeks to usurp the rich traditions of France?

Overall, a very stunning art piece!

Written by Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://sawakoart.com

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/japan-artist-and-radiant-nuance-inspired-by-alfred-sisley-sawako-utsumi.html