Japan - AnArt4Life

Pierre Bonnard – Diverse and revolutionary!

Today we look at the huge diversity of the colourful work of 19th and 20th century French artist Pierre Bonnard, a founding member of Les Nabis art group. Image: WikiArt

Japan

The Japanese art of gift wrapping

Today we look at the beautiful Japanese art of gift wrapping, which is both beautiful and practical. Image. Global Sisters

Gardens

The Jenny Burrowes Japanese Garden at Mentone Girls' Grammar, Melbourne

This is a story of a Japanese Garden created back in 1999 at Mentone Girls Grammar, Melbourne. It's existence is a testament to the relationship the school has with Japan and the Japanese culture and to the dedication of the garden's creator - Jenny Burrowes.

Dolls

Dolls and the Tale of Genji

The dolls made by "Andrea" are stunning and today she brings you "The Tale of Genji" where you can enjoy seeing the Lady Murasaki Shikibu and her friend Ming-Gwok along with Genji, The Shining Prince and his daughter Akadshi Girl.

Sculpture

The delicate wall installations of Kaori Tatebayashi

Today we look at the beautiful, delicate wall installations of Japanese clay sculptor, Kaori Tatebayahsi. Image: cargocollective.com

Ceramics

Beautiful Imari porcelain

Today we look at Imari porcelain, also known as Arita ware, produced in Arita in the southwest Hizen province of Japan from the mid 17th century for export to Europe. Image: Porcelain Museum Dresden, Germany.

Mailbag

November 2021 Mailbag No 1

What a wonderful assortment of mail we have to share this month. In Mailbag No 1 we try to identify painting by an artist called Anne Newman (and it's not me!!), revisit wood working in Japan and see some Melbourne Cup Baker's Delights followed by a peep into a quilter's "office".

Impressionism

The lasting legacy of Utagawa Hiroshige

Today we learn about one famous Japanese printmaker whose work was collected by, and an influence on, some of the Impressionist painters, such as Monet and Van Gogh. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Woodwork

Preserving the art of traditional Japanese woodcraft – Part 2

Today we meet an Australian artist who is dedicated to preserving the Japanese woodworking art of Kumiko, the beautiful decorative lacework of tategu, by teaching others through his books and workshops. Image: soranews24

Woodwork

Preserving the art of traditional Japanese woodcraft – Part 1

Today we look at the ancient types of Japanese carpentry and woodwork. The unique skills to construct everything without the use of any glue, nails, or electric tools are in danger of being lost. But there is a growing movement keep them alive. Image: Fine Arts Museum, Boston.

Mixed Media

The Japanese art of ‘kirie’ by Masayo Fukuda

Today we marvel at the intricate and delicate paper cut outs of Japanese artist Masayo Fukuda. Image: MyModernMet

Mixed Media

Origami and bonsai meet in sculptures by Naoki Onogawa

Today we learn about the motivation for the beautiful work of Naoki Onogawa, a Japanese artist who creates beautiful bonsai. The foliage is made up of hundreds of tiny origami cranes. Image: Naoki Onogawa Museum

Thread and Needle

Mariko Kusumoto: A versatile artist inspired by nature

Today we look at the intricate and delicate work of Mariko Kusumoto, who has mastered many different art forms, but her most recent coral formations made of translucent fabric are truly beautiful. Image: Mariko Kusumoto, Facebook.

Printmaking

The Great Wave off Kanagawa explained

Today we are going to look at a wonderful video which explains the meaning of the iconic wood block print The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, which may give you a new appreciation of Japanese art. Image: Wikipedia

Science

Quick Response [QR] Codes

QR codes have become part of our lives and 6 months ago most of us had no idea what they were. Today Caroline takes us through a history and design lesson on these little codes which are helping to keep us safe. Credit: Bobmath - CC0 Wikimedia Commons

Murals

Walk with us in a Field of Art

Japanese Rice Paddy Art - each work a 15,000-square-meter mural designed and created in the Japanese village Inakadate, made up of, up to 7 different types of rice, often depicting local heritage and folklore.

Childrens Art

Misaki Kawai: a love of fluffy and wobbly things

Artist Misaki Kawai expresses her love of fluffy and wobbly things which have immense appeal to children of all ages. Image: itsnicethat.com

Floristry

Inspiring Ikebana

Let's explore the gentle, inspiring art of Japanese flower arranging, called Ikebana. Whether its a strategic single flower or a more complicated arrangement, connecting nature and people is the guiding principle. Image: artsy.net

Sculpture

Feature Art Work: Makoto Azuma

Introducing you to the Botanical Sculpture created by Japanese artist Makoto Azuma. You will be amazed. Image: Azuma Makoto, Sequia y Sombra, in Argentina, 2018. Photo by Shiinoki Shunsuke. Courtesy of the artist and AMKK.

Japan

The Idemitsu Collection from Tokyo

Today we look at an inspirational Japanese man named Sazo Idemitsu, a petroleum magnate who created his own museum in 1966 to showcase his personal art collection, acquired over more than 75 years. Image: From the book "Japan: Masterpieces from the Idemitsu Collection"

Japan

The mystical appeal of Japanese fans!

Today we learn how the artistry of the Japanese hand fan evolved to become a decorative, sought-after fashion accessory throughout Europe. Image: the Met Museum

Photography

Reflection: Japanese Gardens

Take a few moments today to reflect on the beauty found in a Japanese garden. The trees are magnificent,

Japan

Hiroshi Yoshida - unique ukiyo-e Part 2

Today we look at how Hiroshi Yoshida's desire to learn and experience Western culture first hand led to him combining the French Impressionist style with traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques to achieve his own unique print style. (Image: ukiyo-e.org)

Japan

Hiroshi Yoshida - painter, printmaker and pioneer - Part 1

Today we look at the work of the widely travelled Japanese painter and printmaker, Hiroshi Yoshida, who is just as famous for his non-Japanese subjects as his scenes around Japan. Image: Courtesy of Artsy.net

Impressionism

Feature Art Work: La Japonaise by Claude Monet

In 1876 Claude Monet painted his first wife Camille Monet in a Japanese Kimono. The painting is known simply as "La Japonaise" because it is one of the earliest indications of the influence Japanese culture was having on the Western world and its artists. (Image: monetpaintings.org)

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