Dragons, Drummers & Drawing On Spring: Latest From Atelier Kato Tokyo
Refugees International Japan: Putting The Fun Into Fundraising!
Spring not only brought buds, blossoms and warmer days, but opportunities to collaborate with organisations doing great work here in Japan.
Our first was working with Refugees International Japan, for their annual fundraising gala, celebrating the achievements of refugees around the world and the 40th anniversary of RIJ:
“Supporting projects that provide opportunities for refugees to lead an independent normal life while staying near to home and their loved ones. We are investing in the future.”
Painting Commission: TRUST / 信頼 (しんらい SHINRAI)
2 Panel Diptych, March 2019. Private Collection ©
The commissioned painting sold during the live auction, but you can order prints
To order limited edition art prints of the piece, (20% Proceeds To RIJ Details Here) find out more about Refugees International Japan and the story behind the painting, click here
Information & To Order Limited Edition Art Prints Click Here
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Terra Cotta To Terra Taiko: Re-Discovering Sado Island, Japan
As part of the Jarman International Core 50, which carries out consulting trips across Japan, I recently got the chance to revisit the island of Sado.
It was my third trip; I’d been before to take part in the yearly Earth Celebration festival (friends in Japan, if you haven’t been, go, go, go!) with my taiko group, Waraku Daiko.
It was the best summer festival I’ve been to in Japan – 3 days of music, dancing, eating, drinking, island exploring and the main event: the world famous Kodo drummers!
However, this time, I experienced the island in a a different way
What Sets Sado Apart
A far cry from the blazing heat of summer, visiting in spring was quieter and allowed more breathing space. Which is how I can best describe our adventure; escorted by our fearless guide, Atsushi-san, we soaked in the island in long, deep breaths and noticed one thing above all:
The deliberate effort to leave nature to her own devices.
This was apparent everywhere we visited: from the ancient temple being reclaimed by the forest, with its deliciously decayed walls, to the outdoor Noh theatre, left open to the elements.
You Can’t Hurry Sado
Or, at least, you shouldn’t. Try to stay a week or more if you can. Because once your feet touch the ground, you realise you’re in a paradise that’s jam packed with places to explore.
Forest and mountain trails, hidden temples, caves and sacred stone monuments, museums, Toki bird spotting, time by the sea (you can even take a ride in the island’s traditional, tub boat!) and not forgetting the delicious, fresh food and local breweries!
Ancient & Untouched
Don’t Forget Your Sketchbook
With so much to fill heart and soul, you’ll want to spend time looking and learning. And everything feels untouched and close to nature. Even in the folklore museum (housing an incredible, hand built ship), unlike most sterilized exhibition spaces, things had been arranged in a way that made you feel at home.
Feel At Home
Everywhere we went we were greeted with a smile; from the people, from the trees and from the waves. Some of you will want to go to the festival – again, go, go, go! – it’s a bright introduction to a magical place.
However, Sado has far more secrets to share for those who linger longer and visit during quieter times. More information on Sado Island here
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Drawing On Spring: Classes & Workshops
Drawing Classes & Workshops Information Click Here
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Commission Artwork
Commission Artwork | Email To Arrange A Consultation:
info@divyamariekato.com
Dragon Paintings Here | Full Portfolio Here
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Divya Marie Kato, Artist & Educator, CEO Atelier Kato Tokyo
Artist & Educator, CEO Atelier Kato Tokyo, Creator & Founder When In Doubt, Draw. Paris-born, Tokyo-based, British Indian artist and educator working in Japan since 2005.
Private and public collections, including ANA InterContinental Tokyo, featured in ELLE, The Indian Express, the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Metropolis and collaborations with international organisations, local communities and schools. (Full portfolio here)
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Reservations & Enquiries: info@divyamariekato.com
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Drawing For Work, Life & Play
Drawing Classes In Person, Atelier Kato Tokyo | INFO
Divya’s Online Drawing School | INFO
Divya’s Full Portfolio | INFO
Services | INFO
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info@divyamariekato.com
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