Timeless Message – Music, Orion and Art

Posted on April 2, 2025 by misako

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ―Plato

Sometimes, I feel inspired by music. It directly or indirectly influences my art or the concept. One day in Seattle, I had an opportunity to hear the song “Orion.” I was not expecting to hear this kind of song in mid-day. But, my soul was very moved. I was tearing.

artwork, Collagraph, title "Can You Loose the Cords of Orion? # 2" by Misako OBA “Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” Collagraph, unique
Variation of  2/3 –> Available for viewing :May 2 – June 8, 2025
Misako OBA. From Stars and Desert series.

The artwork “Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?”  and other pieces in my Stars and Desert series are a reminder that we don’t have to worry or don’t have to hustle or keep discouraged- There is definitely something beyond our control. Something beyond our thoughts, beyond humans, something and someone bigger than us, and we can feel rested under the sky and vast universe that we didn’t create, but the great Creator created. He is in control, control the stars and universe.

When everything goes wrong or when you feel hurt or pain, you may question:
Why has this happened?  

At some point of life, I quit thinking like “Why me?” or “Why this happened?”  It just doesn’t do any good, but just harm or would have made me more frustrated.

Instead, I started thinking, “Oh well, then WHAT am I supposed to do now? “

“Why me?,” “Why happened/happens?”-question felt like waisting my time. We get the answer to why later or we never get answer in our life time.  

The mind-set shift was made when I had the third major tragedy in my life including one-in-a-million case TWICE, which feels already a long time ago, more than five years before I started creating these works in my Stars and Desert series. 

When I first came across the song of “Orion,” I totally got it and felt so encouraged. Tremendously encouraged. It reinforced my thoughts and inspired me to create these collagraph works as well.  

"Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” (detail) Variation of 1/3, Misako Oba

"Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” Variation of 1/3, Misako Oba“Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” Collagraph, Mixed media with beeswax,
Unique, Variation of  1/3. Misako OBA. From Stars and Desert series.

I asked God, “What have You done?
Everything I love is gone.

Why must I endure this pain, won’t You come and save me?

Tell me are You listening, do You hear my shouted pleas?
Will You answer me this day, won’t You come and save me?”

I was answered by my Lord,
“Can You bind Orion’s form or guide his path?”

I looked up and answered, “No,
but You can, so I will hold in Your strong hands”

The hands that own the stars above,
will never let me go.

The one who holds the heavens up, in Him I put my hope. Yeah, who am I that You should love, and bind in Your embrace?
Well, God is this who holds the stars and guides me in His grace.

Lyrics from “Orion”*
Song by Cam Huxford and Dustin Kensrue
Seattle based band Ghost Ship
Used in the permission, repost.
"Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” (detail) Variation of 1/3, Misako Oba04_Orion3_MisakoOba_c950“Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” Collagraph, Mixed media with beeswax, Unique, Misako OBA.
Top: Variation of 1/3 (detail). 2014, Bottom: NFS yet. Variation of 3/3. From Stars and Desert series.

I noticed that the lyrics were related to the Book of Job, which is one of my favorites in the Bible.  I have worked on many different art series for many years, and often apply different kinds of text onto my artwork in an abstract manner in different languages, and I felt convinced to use the verses to these pieces.

All artworks in my Stars and Desert series has the stars or desert related-verses. I abstractly transfer onto wax or paper or make it as invisible.  This artwork was titled, inspired by—Job 38:31.

When I had hardships a long time ago, the artworks of Henri Cartier-Bresson unexpectedly healed my soul and inspired me for life. I was not an artist at that time and not even interested in art. But, I “encountered” his work and it evoked my emotion. Since then, I started to think that I would like to do the same kind of things. What can I bring to other people? What can I do to inspire them and improve their lives and serve them?

The answer motivated me to switch my career from journalist to artist that allows me to share my perspective or personal experience in the form of art. I felt I understood the role of art for the first time. Still, art is deep.

“I think an artist’s responsibility is more complex than people realize.”
―Jodie Foster

You can see my artworks of “Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” that I created previously and the other new works on paper, canvas, or wood. I realized those works hold the timeless message – even after ten years from the creation of this particular collagraph, the message, music, lyrics, art are still vivid and can apply to our lives today. Probably in the future. I really feel it is timeless.

I would love you to see the actual artworks and feel the texture and the embossing as well. And, I’m so glad that the these unique pieces are in good condition. The looks in a monitor is limited and cannot really “feel.”  Fortunately, there is an upcoming exhibition in a month (starting on May 2).

In the 2025 show in May, there are many new artworks from new series and some unique prints from this long-run Stars and Desert series such as “Can You Loose the Cords of Orion?” Collagraph, Unique. Variation of  2/3″ (the photo above), which dated in 2014, and has been NFS, will be released and actually showed in public for the first time! 

To view the original artworks,
[In and Out of the Blue] – Misako OBA solo art exhibition
May 2– June 8, 2025

W83 Gallery, 150 W. 83rd St.
(between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.)
New York, NY

🔵 Artist Talk: Thursday, May 29, 2025. 7 pm-8 pm. Doors Open 6:30 pm (EDT) –
 [ Obrain Free Seat(s) from here] 

🔵 Reception: Friday, May 2, 2025. 7pm-9pm (EDT) – Thank you!

Feel free to contact me  for any questions about my series, exhibition, or make an appointment. Feeling excited to share my original art with the message.

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Posted in abstract, art, Creative process, Encaustic, exhibition, Mixed Media, Music and Art, New York, News/Announcement, Printmaking/Intaglio, Quotes, Stars and Desert Series, Stars and/or Desert, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Join Us for Misako OBA’s Upcoming Solo Art Exhibit in NYC

Posted on March 26, 2025 by misako
※To view Misako OBA’s original art., visit the gallery in May, 2025. Join the Reception (Free ticket from here)! 

[ In and Out of the Blue] Misako OBA solo art exhibition image (detail1) -Celestial Symphony by Misako OBA“Celestial Symphony”  – Psalm 148: 3-6 (detail), mixed media on Wood panel and on Canvas, 2025,  Misako OBA

In and Out of the Blue💫  art exhibition
Join us at the profound exploration of hope and resilience, emerging from the depths of struggle, loss, and grief.     

Opening Reception: Friday, May 2, 2025. 7pm-9pm (EDT)  [Reserve your spot]*

Artist Talk: Thursday, May 29, 2025. 7pm-8pm (EDT)

 at W83 Gallery: 150 W. 83rd St. New York, NY
May 2 – June 8, 2025

Through her semi-abstract and conceptual series, Misako OBA channels personal experiences into visually compelling narratives that reflect both darkness and light. Over the past decade, she has explored a diverse range of mediums, including encaustic, watercolor, oil, acrylic, and printmaking, each layer infused with emotion and meaning. A pivotal moment in her artistic journey came with her first photographic work, where she discovered the healing power of creativity. The process of printing in the darkroom became not just an artistic endeavor but a form of physical and emotional relief, easing her pain and guiding her toward solace. Misako’s journey has been led by God, the source of her strength and inspiration. 

This exhibition is a visual nearrative, reveals what art can do from my personal experience– the power of art viewing or creating, portraying hope and resilience as they emerge from the depths of struggle, loss, and grief that anyone can experience. The official Artist statement on [In and Out of the Blue] will be on my renewed website soon.

I’m happy to announce and would love to invite you to my upcoming solo exhibition, [In the Out of the Blue]. It’s in New York City, starting on May 2, 2025.  I feel excited to SEE YOU there in person😍  ✨Please plan your visit and mark your calendar for the opening reception on May 2🍷🍾 and the artist talk on May 29!  I will be there :).   Feeling grateful that the gallery/curator is preparing for the show. The postcard will be coming.  (I am still super busy with finishing more pieces and framing and all the preparation….)

This exhibition is not just a visual art show, but my hope is to share my perspective and to convey light/hope/joy despite any circumstances you are in. Good and/or bad. Everyone is welcome to check it out. I will be sharing some of my personal stories through art and talk. (I can’t share the entire story within just a couple of hours 😅)

You will see my many new mixed media artworks; encaustic mixed media on wood panels and  canvas, works on paper, unique printmaking from ongoing [Stars and Desert] Series and [How Can You Show Love…?](climate change related) Series, as well as some early work; toned gelatin silver photography, which played important role in my journey. All works are under the same theme – In and Out of the Blue. I will explain more about it later.  

Open to the public. Free admission, but it’s good to reserve a spot now for the reception🍷!🩵☺️

You can of course come by yourself. Or join with your friend(s), coworkers, or family members. Let’s get connected💙 You can freely get acquainted with others.

Feel free. Feel safe.  Feel peace.

*Note: You can come and join our opening reception and the exhibition without a ticket.  But it would be recommended to secure the spot. 😉  

bottom banner, the image is the detail of "Celestial Symphony" by Misako OBAGet a VIP discount for Misako OBA’s original artwork — Are you on the list yet? 
 V.I.P. Art Newsletter: You may add your name from here. Done in a second with no charge.

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Posted in abstract, Acrylic Painting, art, Climate Change, Encaustic, Events and Reviews, exhibition, Mixed Media, New York, News/Announcement, Photography, Printmaking/Intaglio, Quotes, Stars and Desert Series, Stars and/or Desert, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

L.I.P.Y. – What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye

Posted on March 25, 2025 by misako
※To view the original art L.I.P.Y., visit the gallery in May, 2025. Join the Reception (Free ticket from here)! 

What is L.I.P.Y.? The story behind it.  And how to arrange and enjoy them.

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L.I.P.Y. #1, #2, #3, and #4 by Misako OBA. Four pieces as Quadriptych. 24 W x 24 H x 1 D inch (61 x 61 x  2.5 cm), 2019. Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panels (encaustic, oil, silk, fabric paint, watercolor, archival pigment ink, hand-dyed Japanese paper, pure silver/gold flecks), under the Stars and Desert project.

■ “L.I.P.Y.”  (#1, #2, #3, #4 as Quadriptych), Encaustic Mixed Media on cradled wood panels – More details/size are in the caption above. Individual pieces are below

This L.I.P.Y. is very special because you can display and enjoy them with many options on the different wall. Changeable. How to arrange them? Keep reading or just scroll down!

About the L.I.P.Y. Series

My body of work explores human life as a journey and examines our soul and emotions. It also depicts the beauty of life with its transient nature and something larger than life, reflecting a light in darkness and perspectives.

The artworks here are from “L.I.P.Y.” series (recap), under my big ongoing Stars and Desert project (2014-2021/2024-2025). My work has been a conceptual and contemporary abstract (or semi-abstract, you can say. It depends on the series).

The title “L.I.P.Y.” is my acronym of “L’essentiel est Invisible pour les Yeux” (=What is essential is invisible to the eye) in French. I was originally inspired by this phrase in the renowned book The Little Prince (by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry), which I have a collection of the same title in different translations; the original French book, my first one was Spanish translation, then English translation, and recent years I finally got three Japanese translation versions. So, obviously, big fan of the book.

And also, after my research, I felt moved by and agreed the Bible verses 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. So, I created some  mixed media work as the L.I.P.Y. series under my Stars and Desert project/series.  

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.　(2Corinthians 4:16, 18)  

I have a continued interest in science and art. I am enthused from vast nature to tiny existence perhaps to molecule levels, from science and math to transcendence.  

Although scientists and professionals continually research about nature, there is still something beyond human understanding. If you look closely at the art and life, the marks, signs, paths, and details may emerge. However, what is really essential is often invisible to the eye (L.I.P.Y.) 

What do you think about yours? – what is essential and invisible to your eye?

Like other art works in my Stars and Desert series, I abstractly integrate the timeless messages and contemporary elements from our time, in this case, text, computer programming languages (codes) that correlate with the stars, desert, universe, and our lives with a conceptual, philosophical, and spiritual approach. 

The above verse and Saint-Exupéry’s words are for the entire series. Each piece of L.I.P.Y. has another verses or more inspiration

Image

■  “L.I.P.Y. #1” – Isaiah 48:21   
Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel (encaustic, oil, watercolor, pigment ink, hand-dyed Japanese paper, silk), 12 W x 12 H x 1 D inch (25.4 x 25.4 x 2.5 cm). Signed in front. Signed and Titled on verso (back).

“They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts He made the water flow out of the rock for them; He split the rock and the water gushed forth.” 

Image■  “L.I.P.Y. #2” – Isaiah 35:1, 2   
Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel (encaustic, oil, watercolor, pigment ink, hand-dyed Japanese paper, silk), 12 W x 12 H x 1 D inch (25.4 x 25.4 x 2.5 cm). Signed in front. Signed and Titled on verso (back).

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.” 

Image■  “L.I.P.Y. #3” – Isaiah 48:21   The same verse is used with #1
Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel (encaustic, oil, watercolor, pigment ink, hand-dyed Japanese paper, silk, pure silver/gold flecks), 12 W x 12 H x 1 D inch.Signed and Titled on verso (back).

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■  “L.I.P.Y. #4” – Isaiah 35:1, 2  The same verse is used with #2
Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel (encaustic, oil, watercolor, pigment ink, hand-dyed Japanese paper, silk, pure silver/gold flecks), 12 W x 12 H x 1 D inch. Signed and Titled on verso (back).

The display options are versatile!

What these pieces more unique and joyful is that *The layout/display of four panels is changeable as you like; Each piece can be displayed individually/ separately or all together as quadriptych – Put them together as one piece (like the above photo).  Or spacing one to two-inch at the center of four panels can be seen as a cross at the center. 

Or you can put two pieces together as TWO horizontal diptychs and slide-display (like photos below) may look great.  Or vertically (far below photo). Or hanging each (like photo above) just individually, apart from one another. You can be creative, play with them, and can have fun!  

Encaustic Mixed Media, L.I.P.Y. (#3 and #4 as Diptych) by Misako OBA

L.I.P.Y. #3 and #4 as diptych. 24 x 12 x 1 inch (61 x 30.5 x 2.5cm), Misako OBA

 

Encaustic Mixed Media, L.I.P.Y. (#1 and #2 as Diptych) by Misako Oba

L.I.P.Y. #1 and #2 as diptych. 24 W x 12 H x 1 D inch (61 x 30.5 x 2.5cm)

(Two pieces together as a diptych)  

I layer memories, thoughts, dreams, paths, maps, realities, illusions, and disillusions. I would feel awe from vast nature to tiny details, from science and math to supernatural power simultaneously.

Life on earth is limited and is like a mist. We feel nostalgia or ‘saudade‘ when triggered by visible  sceneries, landscapes, artworks, words, or surrounding environments. We cherish memories and sometimes may long for someone or something we do not or cannot have. Visual works, imagery, or words—even without knowing the details—often affect how we think and live. Provoking or generating these emotions is one of my roles as an artist. How you process and how you choose to live is yours. And, we need to remember feeling that emotions is good, okay because we are humans and that’s how we were created to be. But, let us keep in mind that emotions are unreliable. I’ve learned faith over emotions would be wiser although it is sometimes difficult. If there are any negative emotions, it is necessary to feel and process, but just don’t dwell on it.  We can have broader perspective. What is essential is sometimes invisible – It is a good reminder for us. 

(The display options are versatile: Two pieces together. Vertically display can also work.)

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Vertically put them together: #3, #1 (left) and #4, #2 (right)

 

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Vertically put them together: #4, #2 (left) and #3, #1 (right)

 

 

My signature color is blue and blue shades.  Although you may still see the trace of blue, I started using green occasionally as the dominant color since 2019. I make my own encaustic paints for those green shades. Emerald green comes from the Seattle nickname ‘Emerald City‘ where I have lived and still sometimes create my large work and do collaboration with other  artists. In fact, my interest in computer languages (code) originated in Seattle – I had opportunities to naturally meet many software engineers in the large IT companies.
The name Emerald City is due to the lush, green forests of Washington State, which have been beautiful and essential for our lives. This is also my emotional response and factual visual statement to global climate change.Encaustic Mixed Media L.I.P.Y. #6 by Misako Oba■  “L.I.P.Y. #6” (Emerald), Misako OBA. Signed and titled on the verso.
Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel (encaustic, oil, watercolor, pigment ink, Japanese paper, pure silver/gold flecks), 10 W x 10 H x 1 D inch (25.4 x 25.4 x 2.5 cm). 

I am planning to frame this with a wooden floater frame for my solo show in New York, starting on May 2 (Free ticket: Reserve your spot!).

This #5 could be display with any orientation (orientation free). I signed and titled on the verso (back) in stead of front. With Side View W1. Encaustic Mixed Media L.I.P.Y. #5 by Misako Oba

■ “L.I.P.Y. #5” (Emerald), 2020, Misako OBA. Encaustic Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel. 10 W x 10 H x 1 D inch (25.4 x 25.4 x 2.5 cm). Not available/Sold before the show.

And there are three more related pieces of L.I.P.Y. that became corporate collections in the late year and those organizations are hanging the art in their office as a symbol of a reminder of the message (That’s what they say 😊)

Stars and Desert series (Part1:2014-2021 and Part2:2024-2025) has become long-life interest.
There are yellow shade smaller works and I may introduce them here later, but they were all  purchased and became a corporate correction of three organizations. They are displaying in their office🖼️.

If you have any questions or interested in my artworks, please do not hesitate to contact me.

If you look closely at art and life, the marks and details may emerge. However, sometimes, what is essential is invisible to the eye (= “L‘essentiel est Invisible pour les Yeux” (L.I.P.Y.) Focus on the subject(s) with your heart.

As a contemporary artist, I strive to push the boundaries of traditional methods and mediums to seek further possibilities. For example, encaustic is historically traditional paint (older than oil paint), but I use it with text of modern languages including copyright free codes generated by AI/Chat GPT, previously by humans, software engineers from our time, hi-end archival digital print transfer, and so forth.

I hope contemporary abstract art gives you energy, imagination, healing, and provides inspiration in your life, and perhaps healing to those who need it. It may also allow you to see things from new perspectives!  Although I don’t go deep today, there is a scientific proof that just viewing art helps our emotional well-being. I can talk about it on the Artist Talk day. Hope to see you in person!

🔷 “In and Out of the Blue” -Solo Art Exhibit by Misako OBA
   Opening reception: Friday, May 2, 2025, 7-9PM (EDT)
Artist Talk: Thursday, Ma 29, 7-8pm (EDT)
W83 Gallery: 150 W. 83rd St. New York, NY

For your joyous abundant life: 

■ Misako’s more creative process about stars and hidden text in the works, and some tips for your creative life can be found in this Article.

■ Viewing the artworks of the L.I.P.Y. or other works in person is available based on the appointment in advance. In 2025, either in New York City or in Japan in person.  (Possibly via Zoom online, if you are not in these areas).  Personal/private viewing and group viewing, please contact from here. For open-to-public exhibition, you can visit the gallery here during the exhibition (Please NOTE: the artitist is not at the gallery all the time. Please join us at the opening reception -Free but Singned up encouragged ) and Subscribe her VIP Newsletter, so that you will get a discount.  Feel free to contact us any question about the available pieces and pricing.  

細長LIPY6_MisakoObaDon’t miss the opportunity to see the actual original pieces of L.I.P.Y.  – What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye, Encaustic (hot beeswax and natural resin) mixed media and many more at the solo exhibition [In and Out the Blue] is from May 2 (To see me at the reception!) to June 8, 2025. L.I.P.Y. 

LIPY on my website.

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Posted in abstract, art, Encaustic, exhibition, Mixed Media, New York, News/Announcement, Quotes, Stars and Desert Series, Stars and/or Desert, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Earth Day – Earth Wind & Fire

Posted on April 22, 2024 by misako

“We are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.” -Bastida

「私たちは生命を大切にするために地球上にいます。私たちはお互いをケア・大切にするために地球にいるのです。」(バスティーダ)

Earth Day is marked across the globe today on April 22 to support environmental conservation efforts. New York based EFA (Elizabeth Foundation of the Arts) | the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop celebrates The Earth Day at Peace Gallery in the Upepr West Side, Manhattan

Printmaking Art Exhibition
◾️Earth Wind & Fire
April 18 – May 31, 2024
Open to public: Tues-Saturday, 12-5pm. Free admission. 
Arts for Peace Gallery
38 West 88th St,  (Between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West)
New York, NY 10024

"Life - Hear the Wind Roar, Petals Dance" by Misako OBA Artwork: “Life – Hear the Wind Roar, Petals Dance,” Misako OBA, 2024.  Currently ON VEW at the gallery in New York.
Encaustic monotype, pigment print transfer of computer languages, and Chine Collé on paper. 
23.5×16.5 inch (approx. 60x42cm). Please Inquire for pricing and related works.

 

My work is encaustic monotype and pigment transfer of computer language (You can see the detail in the images posted below), and Chine Collé of Japanese calligraphy on paper that I completed last month. I titled,  Life – Hear the Wind Roar, Petals Dance, reflecting our life on the earth. 

Have you ever contemplated the fleeting nature of human existence? The beauty of cherry blossoms is truly captivating, but their short lifespan and the way their petals fall with the wind can evoke feelings of both allure and melancholy.

The wind sometimes roars.

Witnessing the power of the wind is a humbling reminder of the forces beyond our control, and the sight of the petals dancing in the air or on the ground is a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry.

Nature has its own unique beauty and can be a source of healing. It rejuvenates us. Have you ever thought about the benefits of living in harmony with nature? We now know that human activities are the root cause of climate change and global warming.

We must love, cherish, and protect our planet. It has an incredible array of nature and resources, including the air we breathe.

There is no “planet B,” no substitute. We should strive to love one another, and our love must be demonstrated through our actions💙

On this Earth Day, I hope that art can provide you with a greater perspective and opportunities to open your mind and heart.

Artwork: “Life – Hear the Wind Roar, Petals Dance (detail) , Misako OBA

In this group exhibition, you can see many types of printmaking artworks such as etching, aquatint, lithography, screen printing, collagraph, engraving, monotype, woodblock, and some mixed techniques by the artists / the members of EFA | the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop with the theme of celebrating Earth Day are currently on view until the end of May in Manhattan, New York.

*The Calligraphy on rice paper was written by Soukyu (= my late father’s artist name, Calligraphy master in Japan) , and this is #66 of Hyakunin-Issu an ancient but timeless Japanese Waka poem: もろともに あはれと思へ 山桜 花よりほかに 知る人もなし)

Related Event
◾️All ages Non-Toxic Recycled Materials Collagraph Workshop
Saturday, May 11, 2 pm
Link to the details

🌏 By the way, What is Earth Day? Why it is celebrated?

“It’s not a day, it’s a movement.”
by Earth Day: The Official Site

Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earths natural resources for future generations. The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. (by National Geographic Society)

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. (Wiki)

Entrance of the exhibition venue
From Opening reception
From Opening reception
From Opening reception
One of the walls for display

Related Post
 “How Can You Show Love…?” 

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Posted in abstract, art, Climate Change, Climate Change: How Can You Show Love....?, Encaustic, Events and Reviews, exhibition, Mixed Media, New York, News/Announcement, Printmaking/Intaglio, Quotes, Series, Series Description, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Climate Change Works Reveal at Exhibitions

Posted on April 1, 2024 by misako

Updated on April 17

I am excited to share with you the information about the upcoming exhibitions. After the shows in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Los Angeles (of both solo and group shows) in the last few months, I am thrilled to return to the shows in New York. I like all those cities and mostly I have lived (except L.A.), New York always feels like home and I can be a little more just myself naturally. New York City (Manhattan) is much smaller and slower than Tokyo, less busier, and more accessible to nature easily both in the City and the suburbs. But, of course, I have to be on alert for the environment’s safety.

There will be TWO exhibitions in April (Details are below🔷). Both are held in New York. One is in Manhattan (Upper West Side: Easy access) and the other is in Hudson, New York. I will be at the both opening receptions. For the gallery in Hudson, I will take Amtrak! So, it will feel like a great excursion with my friends. The gallery is conveniently located near the train station and within easy walking distance. This weekend-get-away town is pretty and there are other art galleries as well. (I found my favorite ice cream shop last year :) You can of course drive there. Hope to see you at the gallery.

I am showing new works, encaustic mixed media and printmaking. Both are related to our planet, the Earth. (For more details about the Climate Change series How Can You Show Love..…?)

My work is considered a conceptual and abstract or semi-abstract and was included in the Neoteric Abstract show again this year. Thanks to the Limner Gallery. 

I hope you can make it to the exhibitions to experience the power of art. The physical presence is very powerful.

🔷 Abstract exhibition (encaustic mixed media):

NEOTERIC ABSTRACT XII
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 6, 3-5 pm (EDT)   
Exhibition Dates: April 4 – 27, 2024.
Limner Gallery in New York (US)    – direction

This is a curated exhibition. The selected contemporary artists from around the world present their new and inspiring creative works of painting, mixed media, photography, and sculptures. As I attended this annual show last year, I observed it was well received by art collectors and the general public and many paintings were sold including mine.

GRACE-in-Garden_MisakoOBA_1500cr_c

*GRACE in Garden, encaustic mixed media on cradled wood panel, from How Can You Show Love…? series,
14x11x0.75 inch (28×35.5x2cm), 2024, Misako OBA　- SOLD – 

*The title of the above painting, GRACE stands for NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites and God’s grace as I imply the double meanings.

Art enriches your life and could transform you or your thoughts and ideas. 

I have more related art pieces. But, this particular GRACE in Garden is orientation-free. So, you can hang and display the way I posted above or like below. Which one is your favorite?

逆GraceinGarden_MisakoOBA_1500sh-c

(The above-images-layout may be recommended/required to view on Desktop) 

You can always change the orientation depending on your mood. It’s ready to hang- I installed the multiple wires on the back of the wood panel for your convenience for this purpose. 

This work was SOLD. However, feel free to ask me any questions about other available work or related work and/or series.😊
Or please contact the gallery director Tim  in New York:
+1-518-567-7858 (phone)
TheLimner at aol.com (email).
Do not hesitate to contact me

Another exhibition I am participating this April/May is: 

🔷 Printmaking exhibition(encaustic monotype, unique print) 
EFA RBPMW Presents Earth Wind & Fire 
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 18, 6-8 pm (EDT)   
Exhibition Dates: April 18 – May 31, 2024
Open hours: Tues-Saturday, 12-5 pm

Peace Gallery at International Student Center
38 West 88th St, New York, NY 10024
(Between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West)

More details about this Earth Wind & Fire exhibition will be coming up in my next post. Please check back!

If you have not read the recent related post about my How Can You Show Love…? series, here it is. 

Meanwhile, I am developing my online gallery/shop this year, so stay connected!

Tips💡 When You ViewAbstract Art, Consider…

  • What does that specific art make you feel? Do you recall your childhood memories? Does it make you feel happy, peaceful, sad, bothered, and guilty? In fact, if you feel annoyed or disturbed, it is a good sign. That is the power of art coming. You may start noticing something. You may begin being aware of something that you never even thought of. You are one step closer to making a change in your life for the better. It may be a tiny step. For yourself and/or others, and/or to earth universe. It will Transform.
  • How has the artist used them to express the social, political, and spiritual experience of our own time?
  • Try to view the details. Colors, shapes, lines, text, and materials to be used.

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How Can You Show Love? Climate Change Series

Posted on April 1, 2024 by misako
(Japanese may be added below in late April)

“We are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.”　-Bastida

I believe we are on earth to love and to be loved. To love one another and also love our planet.

I have been creating artworks that are related to love.

As you may know from my previous post or other sources such as social media, in the last couple of years, I have been (modestly/silently/gradually) developing a series that is related to climate change while concurrently working on another series. 

Today, I am officially introducing this new series with the series title, “How Can You Show Love….?” 

This is my response to climate change / global warming, which I literally have been experiencing. The artworks in the series include factual data in an abstract manner. It is my visual statement with a conceptual and philosophical approach using a temperature-sensitive material encaustic.

img_0463aacr_2000sh

 “La Terre” from How Can You Show Love….? (Climate Change related) Series. SOLD
Encaustic mixed media, oil on cradled wood panel.
18 in x 12 in x 1.5 inch, Misako OBA. To Inquire to see more of this type of artworks available.

The series message is to raise awareness on climate change and I would like you to think about what you can do. I am inviting viewers to ponder and raise questions and interests on the issue. Eventually, I am hoping viewers/you to be proactive in showing love in the journey of life with the help of some discovery within the work.

The first piece that I created for this series (photo below) “Predicted” fortunately became a part of the museum’s permanent collection in the United States as you may have read the article. 

For the artworks in this series, I treat four edges/sides of cradled wood panels in this series are treated with Shou-Sugi-ban technique with fire, which creates natural beauty of the brown color without paints and has good conservation purpose for the wood/art. I also imply wildfires due to climate change as conceptual art.

Do you care about Climate change?

Even if you are not particularly interested in climate change, the fact is the global temperature is getting higher, hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are growing more intense and powerful as global temperatures rise, and pollution is a continuing problem.

Climate change is happening.

I was not aware and not much interested in the problem 15 years ago when a friend of mine who is a lawyer specializing in Climate Change talked to me about it.

However, the issues of global warming have become so real and serious. I personally felt and experienced global warming because of extreme summer heat year by year and people in Japan are dying due to the extreme heat every summer in recent years, and as I observed more disasters like floods in the world due to climate change, my interest grew and the journey of climate-change-related series began.

With this series, I would like to encourage people to think about what they can do personally about it, to show love to others and the earth, in order not to lose your loved ones or even our planet due to the increasing disasters and heat. The work includes statistics and information published by research authorities such as IPCC or NASA.

I completed a couple of new white artworks in January this year. They are about the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica. I was referring to the research data from the previous year. It is about ice mass measurement.

Then, I recently came across NASA’s new information issued in late February. I felt/feel so excited to know what I care about and am concerned about is important.

Antarctic Sea Ice Near Historic Lows. Arctic Ice Continues Decline

Antarctic sea ice officially reached its minimum extent for the year. This cycle of growth and melting occurs every year, with the ice reaching its smallest size during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Sea ice at both the top and bottom of the planet continued its decline in 2024. In the waters around Antarctica, ice coverage shrank to near-historic lows for the third year in a row.

Sea ice scientist, Linette Boisvert of NASA in Maryland says “Sea ice prevents much of the exchange of heat and moisture from the relatively warm ocean to the atmosphere above it.”

FromGrace1_MisakoOBA_137A_サイン入り明色rv_1000_c“From GRACE I” from How Can You Show Love….? Climate Change Series, 2024
Encaustic mixed media on cradled wood panel, 14 in x 11 in x 0.75 inch, Misako OBA.
Inquire to view different angle photos of this work or images of other works. 
on View (May 2-June 7, 2025) at Misako OBA’s solo exhibition [In and Out of the Blue] at W83 Gallery, New York.

*The title of the above painting, GRACE stands for NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites and God’s grace as I imply the double meanings.

I created the works based on the facts and concerns that “Antarctica is losing ice mass (melting) at an average rate of about 150 billion tons per year, and Greenland is losing about 270 billion tons per year, adding to sea level rise.

The land ice sheets in both Antarctica and Greenland have been losing mass since 2002.

This is important because the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica store about two-thirds of all the fresh water on Earth. They are losing ice due to the ongoing warming of the Earth’s surface and ocean. Meltwater coming from these ice sheets is responsible for about one-third of the global average rise in sea level since 1993.”

Confirmed that 2024 (Updated in 2025) was the Hottest Year on Record!
Between 2014 and 2023 also reflected the Hottest 10-year period on Record

Recently, I also came across a news article by CNBC.

It confirmed 2023 as the hottest year on record!! and said the period between 2014 and 2023 also reflected the hottest 10-year period on record. Researchers outlined how extreme weather events in 2023 wreaked havoc for millions of people across the globe and inflicted billions of dollars in economic losses.

The world surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius across an entire year for the first time. The 1.5 degrees Celsius level is widely recognized as an indicator of when climate impacts become increasingly harmful to people and the planet. 

The WMO (World Meteorological Organization) said records were broken, and in some cases, smashed, for indicators such as greenhouse gas levels, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic Sea ice cover, and glacier retreat.

“Climate change is about much more than temperatures. What we witnessed in 2023, especially with the unprecedented ocean warmth, glacier retreat, and Antarctic sea ice loss, is cause for particular concern.”

This is exactly what I have been working on using my creativity with art. Before the news came, I had created some art based on the problem and Ice Sheet Mass Change. 

IPCC’s synthesis report shows the adverse impacts from human-caused climate change, saying that they will continue to intensify and that humanity has fundamentally and irreversibly transformed the Earth system.

According to the latest report of 2023, approximately 3.5 billion people live in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change. Increasing weather and climate extreme events have exposed millions of people to acute food insecurity and reduced water security. Furthermore, between 2010 and 2020, the human death toll from disasters such as floods, droughts, and storms was 15 times higher in highly vulnerable regions, compared to regions with very low vulnerability.

We cannot stop global warming overnight, however, we can slow the rate and limit the amount of global warming by taking actions. I believe your awareness and small changes can make a big difference.

So, how can YOU show love today for yourself, for your loved one, and our earth?

How do you take action to sustain the earth, and not to lose your loved one in increasing disasters that are consequences of global warming? People are dying and suffering if you are aware of it.

How can you show love to your loved ones, to your neighbor, to yourself, and our planet? There is  no “Planet B.” (The following images may be recommended/required to view on Desktop)

FromGrace2_MisakoOBA_crcr_1121frRWAsqSq明-h1000c
sq_detail1_FromGrace1_MisakoOBA
sq_detail4_FromGrace1_MisakoOBA
sqEdge_detail2_FromGrace1_MisakoOBA
sqEdge_detail3_FromGrace1_MisakoOBA
s01GRACEII_detail下_1065Acon歪み修正crSh
s02GRACEII_detail上_1065AconSh
 “From GRACE II” and “From GRACE I” (detail) from How Can You Show Love….? Climate Change Series. 
Encaustic mixed media on cradled wood panels, each 11 in x 14 in x 0.75 inch, Misako OBA.
Sides are treated with Sho-Sugi-ban. Inquire to view different angle photos of this work or images of other works

As I continue to develop this climate change-related series, I have opportunities to share my artworks at galleries and a museum. I just posted the upcoming exhibitions‘ info in my next post. It is this month! Meanwhile, I will develop my online gallery/shop this year, so stay connected!

Useful Resources for You

Here are Some of the Main Measures and Tips. You can put into practice in your daily life. However, Do not limit yourself. Be creative. Think about how you can show love for our earth, your loved ones, and yourself.💝

Climate change is a global emergency.

🔷🔷🔷

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🔷Join the Misako’s V.I.P. newsletter😊
You will receive a discount code for purchasing my art and gift items, and chances to win a Free VIP admission to an art fair (coming in April) by joining my list. Don’t miss my exhibitions around the world, activities, and tips for your creative and joyful life!

🔷Stay tuned to the latest news and enjoy the Posts and Stories on Instagram.

(The following images in circles may be recommended/required to view on Desktop)

02detail_LaTerre_MisakoOBA 2
img_0463aacr_2000sh
detail2_LaTerre_c_MisakoOBA_h840x654

(Japanese) 日本語
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Posted in abstract, art, Climate Change, Climate Change: How Can You Show Love....?, Creative process, Encaustic, Events and Reviews, exhibition, Included Japanese日本語も, Japanese 日本語, Mixed Media, New York, News/Announcement, Quotes, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

About [Love: Beyond Time and Space]

Posted on October 11, 2023 by misako

(In Japanese 日本語)

Updated in December
*The list/description of each artwork from Beyond Time and Space series was uploaded.

About LOVE: Beyond Time and Space    　 

In my solo exhibition at the gallery Roonee 247 Fine Arts in fall 2023, I present the entire work for the first time from Part 1 “Cry for LOVE – What Women Feel,” and most works from Part 2 and Part 3 including latest new works, and a sneak peek from Part 4 in my Truth in Emotion, Beyond Time and Space series.

*The list/description of each artwork and the timeless ancient Waka poem from Beyond Time and Space series can be seen here.

Over 50 artworks from the series are exhibited at the gallery at the solo show. You will see many different types of artworks from the same series!

Part 1:  Cry for LOVE – What Women Feel –
Part 2:  Cry for LIFE
Part 3:  Four Seasons
Part 4:  Cry for LOVE – What Men Feel –

The body of my work reflects my interest in human life as a journey. It is a deep examination of our soul and emotions. The work explores universal experiences such as sorrow, loneliness, frustration, disillusion, and turmoil (darkness) as well as peace, joy, hope, and love (light) – It is a metaphor for our lives.

People today love and suffer just as in ancient times. Linked by our humanity, we face many of the same feelings and issues. It truly is beyond time and space. 

For this project, the collection of 7th-13th century Japanese poems (known as *Hyakunin Isshu: 100 poems by 100 authors) was re-written in calligraphy by my father, a calligraphy master in Japan, before his passing using the original ancient characters (Hentai-gana), which is variant forms of Hiragana in the Heian Period (794-1185), and they are re-written on traditional Japanese rice paper for this project.

I have been creating art layering and integrating BOTH ancient/traditional AND contemporary/hi-tech elements by combining encaustic which is an ancient medium and other mediums as well as my photographic images in each unique piece in this series. The photographs are actual evidence of our 21st century, conveying and depicting the same human emotions in different times and spaces.

The images in my work, for example, the mountains, bamboo, trees, textures of doors and walls, and cherry blossoms, may resemble Japan. However, I intentionally used materials from non-Japanese places due to my series concept ‘ beyond time and space ‘. Meanwhile, I invested my own emotional content and imagination into these poems and works.

As Japanese, we were told to memorize those Waka poems in school when we were children—mostly without knowing the meaning of each poem, as the language is archaic.

As an adult, I realized and felt very moved that these ancient poems contain deep and passionate human emotions, especially the love poems since they contrast the perception that Japanese people tend to be reserved and do not  show much emotion.

：

：

🔸Part 1:  Cry for LOVE – What Women Feel –

The artworks in the Part 1 is based exclusively on desperate love poems/letters regarding women’s feeling by female authors from the Hyakunin isshu waka poem. They were created with the research and the inspiration from a total of 20 love poems, three of which were composed by men posing as women and expressing women’s feelings from female perspective.

*Self-portrait is used as representing women while I invest my own emotional content.  I consider using self-portrait is one of my styles since I have self-portraits-related works in previous series as well.

(In total: 25 unique artworks of Encaustic mixed media on cradled wood panels + 3 works of photo encaustic on plexiglass are presented.)

※ The title and the description of each artwork with The original ancient Japanese poems and the English translation is available upon request. Please ask the gallery staff. I will post them here in the future.

🔸Part 2:  Cry for LIFE

The artworks in Part 2 is based exclusively on the ancient poems about life from this collection (Hyakunin Isshu). Surprisingly, they are all or mostly lamenting and wrote about life in vain.

10 poems (#34, #83, #84, #66, #11, #99, #68, #96, #93 and #35) out of 100 were categorized in relating to LIFE.

One of the three panels of “Cry for LIFE I – Lamentation (Triptych)” a large-scale work of three wooden panels measuring approximately 1.5 meters long, excluding the two panels in the U.S, will be exhibited, In addition, the latest work from this summer 2023, Works on Paper (Scrolls and Kimono Tanmono textile style) are in the installation on hanging scrolls and garment racks.

Interestingly, the life-themed content of these classical Japanese waka poems (One Hundred Poems of One Hundred Poets, Hyakunin Isshu) is almost entirely about the sorrows of life and lamentation for living in this world. On the other hand, in the Bible, which is a Western classic, I discovered the same emptiness, grief, or lamentation that we face in life were described, however, the answers and solutions were already written there beyond lamentation. It gives us hope.

The installation “Time for Everything” hanging on the wooden space divider on the floor and “Works on Paper” on the hanging scroll on the wall can be viewed at the gallery.

You will see the “Time for Everything,” a Tanmono kimono-textile-like work created this summer, which are “Works on rice paper” in which the backs and fronts have different expressions.

Other works on fine art paper, which uses a hanging scroll as a frame, are also one-of-a-kind abstract paintings.

I created both of them using the “encaustic monotype (printmaking technique).”

Encaustic monotypes are created by painting with wax paint (encaustic) on a heated palette, and then transferring the melted or melting paint onto paper right away. The paint moves and changes in various ways depending on the temperature of the palette and from moment to moment. This method allows for some control, but not complete control.

In the process of patiently applying color to a very long sheet of paper, unexpected things happen. There are difficulties and hardships, and there are also “happy accidents.” It is just like the journey of life itself.

In this new work, in addition to Waka poems of life, I created the work with the books of ”Lamentations” and “Ecclesiastes” from the Bible in my mind, which tells us that everything in the world is “vain,” yet there is a time for everything, and furthermore, draws a conclusion to the purpose of life. They are abstract paintings/monotype with some collages.

With an awareness of the SDGs of our current society, the antique hanging scrolls are used as a “frame” for the works on paper as being creatively reused and to adding values.  As for the blue scroll, I cut the window which allows you to see beyond and the other side.

The cross-like shape of the way displayed the artwork and hanging scroll also represents the well-known Western symbol of LOVE.

-木製パネルにエンコースティック・ミクストメディアの “Lamentation” の一部と “Journey.”  2015年〜2017年
–Works on Paper｜無酸性和紙にエンコースティック・ミクストメディア: 巻紙風、掛軸に. 2017年〜2023年

–Works on Paper｜無酸性アート紙、和紙にエンコースティック・モノタイプ、コラージュ: 反物風) 2023年

🔸Part 3: “Four Seasons

Among the Hyakunin Isshu waka poems, poems composed about the four seasons are collected and made into works.

Although these poems are about the awareness and emotions experienced during the actual seasons, to me, seasons are not merely about the actual scenery of spring, summer, fall, and winter, but also about the seasons of life, the good times, bad times, and the times of sowing seeds, the times of harvesting, and each season has its own time, and I also keep in mind that seasons pass.

This exhibition features summer, fall, and winter.

One quadriptych work (4 panels with 92cm hight) contains of all four summer poems.  There are a large number of autumn waka poems. One quadriptych (4 panels 4 poems with 92cm hight) and two pieces of 30.5 cm square from fall out of a total of 16 poems are exhibited.

Winter, with a total of six waka poems, is presented in two sets of two each, large and small, approximately 87 cm and 30.5 cm in length, and (excluding those that have already been sold out) a total of two works.

🔸Part 4: “Cry for LOVE  – What Men Feel –　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

The Part 4 is ongoing/future project, a group of works that focus on love poems composed by male authors among the Hyakunin Isshu, regarding men’s emotions such as passionate love or hopeless longing for his woman.

Like Part 1(Women’s version), I will photograph men and use for a part of the artwork. It is said that men are generally less emotional or less good at expressing themselves than women. It may be a bias, but I create works create works by incorporating the fact that when they take off their clothes, they are more vulnerable and honest…or more likely to express their true feelings as well.

Furthermore, by including people of different races/ethnicities and nationalities in the paintings, there are no barriers. It is to depict that we as humans could experience much of the same feelings/emotions when we are in love or when we face suffering. It is beyond time and space. This is also my response to our current social situations and suggests the awareness about love, fairness, suffering, and gender issues.

Two works are on display as a trailer sneak peek.

Related artist books are also on display.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

About calligraphy in my work:
You can see those poems in Japanese calligraphy in my work. In addition to my description in the statement above, mentioning a calligraphy master my father who contributed to this project, here is my thoughts. 

Calligraphy is one of the historical means of communication in Japan and takes many years to master although in this modern society, it is no longer common practice. I have been exploring ways of combining traditional calligraphy with my contemporary art partly in order to create new ideas/values to pass on to the next generation in a different art form, transforming to the new images using own point of view. They are not straight calligraphy but I let them become abstract, yet it still has a substantial meaning and role in the work. My approach is both visual and conceptual. 

About encaustic:
Encaustic paint is historical medium originally used by ancient Greeks and Egyptians. The concept of the series is “beyond time and space” both human emotional content and literally and technically. Encaustic began to be used in contemporary art as well. I started to make my own encaustic medium in the last few years and some paints with beeswax and other materials. Partly, I use photo-ink-transfer technique. 

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

<<Exhibition INFO>>

Misako OBA solo exhibition
Love: Beyond Time and Space
October 9-22, 2023. Gallery hours: 12-19:00
Closed on Monday Oct. 16
Last day (Oct. 22) Open until 16:00

★ Reception 🍷🎉
Saturday, October 14, 2023
18:30-19:30 (JST)
You are welcome to join us!

■Roonee 247 Fine Arts
Sato Bild.,4F, 17-9 Nihonbashi-Kodemmacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Zip: 103-0001
Phone: +81-3-6661-2276
https://www.roonee.jp

■gallery website (in Japanese)

CryForLove_layout1_groupMisakoOBA

*Hakunin Isshu is a collection of 100 Tanka poems by 100 cerebrated authors.
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[Love: Beyond Time and Space]について

Posted on October 11, 2023 by misako

(In English)

アップデート 12月10日
*Beyond Time and Space シリーズの作品リストを別ページにアップしました。
“Cry for Love”の一部 は12月末までカリフォルニアの Las Laguna アートギャラリーで展示されています。

🔸🔸🔸

Misako OBA SOLO SHOW 個展  LOVE: Beyond Time and Space　

ルーニィ247 Fine Artsギャラリーでの本展は、Misako OBAのアートシリーズ Truth in Emotion “Beyond Time and Space”  (和訳：感情の真実 〜時空を超えて〜)より、日本国内未発表 (海外でも発表をほとんど控えていた）の作品群 Part１の Cry for LOVE を中心に、多くの新作を含むPart２のLIFEや以下のシリーズの一部も交えて、50点以上の作品を展示し紹介。

蜜ろうを使った古典技法エンコースティックの現代適用で、日本ではまだまだめずらしい技法の美術作品（アート）。このシリーズは、日本に生まれ、国内および米国やヨーロッパ等に住んだ経験のある美術作家Misako OBAが、実体験とリサーチを通して人間の普遍的な感情を追求したシリーズの一つ。百人一首に見られるの古代日本人の驚くべき情熱的な感情、時空を超えた男女の愛や四季の叙情を、油彩よりも古い歴史のある蜜ろうのアートで表現。単純な蜜蝋画や蜜蝋写真ではなく、複雑な混合技法（ミクストメディア）により、日本の文化である和歌や書を融合するとともに、米国などの海外に住んで時間をかけて撮影したの現代の実際の写真を素材に、壁の質感や花鳥風月を日本風に見せ、Beyond Time and Spaceのコンセプトを根底に、長期保存にこだわった画材・品質・絵画技術で、時空を超えたすべての要素をひとつの作品に盛り込んだ芸術作品シリーズ。

Part 1:  Cry for LOVE – What Women Feel –
Part 2:  Cry for LIFE
Part 3:  Four Seasons
Part 4:  Cry for LOVE – What Men Feel –

子供の頃、深い意味を考えず単純に暗記したり、カルタ遊びをしたりした百人一首を、人生経験、人生の波瀾万丈を経て、アメリカで改めて歌の意味とともに読む機会に恵まれたとき、当時（7世紀〜13世紀平安時代）の日本人男女が、こんなに情熱的な想いを内に秘めていたり、それを絶望的、直接的、あるいは巧みに婉曲して和歌で表現したりしたのかと、驚愕にも値するぐらい驚き感銘を受けた。果たしてどれくらいの日本人がその事実や意味内容を知っているのか。

と同時に、人間が人を愛して切ない想いをしたり苦しんだり、また社会や老いに悩んだりすることは、時代（時間）や場所（国境）を超えて、まさに共通する普遍的なものであることを目の当たりにし、実感としてもひしひしと感じた。いつの時代も、生ていると直面する同じようなことで喜び嘆き、あるいは思い煩うものだと、改めて認識した時にこのシリーズが生まれた。

百人一首には、また人生のはかなさ、虚しさを嘆いたり、春夏秋冬の自然の美しさに思いを馳せ詠まれた歌があるので、自分なりに分析・理解しつつ、カテゴリーに分けてみたことが制作のきっかけにもなった。特に近年はまるで百人一首の時代のように、恋のかけひきや日常のやりとりも、電話よりメッセージを「書いて伝える」という行為が多く、必要な時代になった。

本展 [LOVE: Beyond Time and Space] では、私たちの感情や行動をも左右する「愛と人生」をテーマに、日本と海外、古代と現代、同じ人間として共通するものはなんなのか、先入観の危うさ、感情、思考、思想、価値観、人間の性（さが）を探り、この世での人生とは何か、今、あなたは愛をどう感じ、表現するのかを問いかける。

「時空を超えて」のコンセプトを反映すべく、作品の中で日本のものに見える桜や鳥居、松、竹、また月なども、元写真は意図的に、国外（アメリカ、カナダ、韓国等）で実際に暮らしたり長期滞在した場所で撮影したものを蜜蝋のエンコースティックに転写し入れ込んでいる。架空の絵を描くだけではなく、我々が生きる現代に実在しているものを入れることにも意味を感じている。

時間軸として、古典的な素材（百人一首の歌や平安時代の文字や画、墨、古典技法の蜜蝋のエンコースティック）及び、現存する21世紀の素材（実存する人や場所の写真や、コンピュータ言語、デジタル技術など）の両方を使用し、空間軸として、自分が生まれた日本と、長年の生活の拠点、米国あるいはゆかりのある地を中心に海外の素材を取り入れ、古今東西新旧両方の技法と要素をひとつの作品に織り込んでいる。

今回の個展作品すべてに使用されているエンコースティックは、蜜ろう・天然樹脂・顔料から成り、紀元前の古代ギリシャ時代からの古典画材。そのエンコースティックの現代適用で、電気ヒートパレットで溶かした絵具を使って、ヒートガンやガスバーナーで層を重ね定着させる技法。

：

：

🔸Part 1:  Cry for LOVE – What Women Feel –
「クライ・フォー・ラブ （愛を求めて  〜オンナの気持ち〜）」　

  小倉百人一首の中で、女流歌人が書いた「恋の歌」のみを選んで、疑似体験をするかのように感情移入しつつ制作した作品群。全20首、うち３首は男性が女性を装って女性の気持ちとして詠んだ歌も含む25点のパネル作品を紹介。

（25点の木製パネルにエンコースティックミクストメディア+ アクリル板にフォトエンコースティック３点）

🔸Part 2:  Cry for LIFE
「クライ・フォー・ライフ （人生の悲哀と希望）」

百人一首から人生に関する９首(#34, #83, #84, #66, #11他) に関連した作品を展示している。

1.5メートル近くの木製パネル３点組の大型作品 “Cry for LIFE I – Lamentation” の３パネルのうち、米国にある２パネルを除いた１パネルの展示ほか、2023年の新作、Works on Paper (巻物・反物風の作品）を掛軸や衣桁にインスタレーションし紹介。

興味深いことに、日本の古典、百人一首の中の人生の歌は、人生の悲哀、人生を嘆く歌のなんと多いことか、ほとんどが、この世に生きることの嘆きである。これらの日本の古典和歌の人生がテーマの内容はほとんど全てが悲哀、この世での嘆きである。そして欧米の古典でもある聖書の中には、同じように人生直面する虚しさや嘆きもあるが、その先のその答え、解決策が既に書かれていたことを発見。そしてそこには「希望」があった。

今夏制作の反物風作品”Time for Everything”のインスタレーションや、掛軸をフレームに見立てたWorks on Paper は、裏と表の表情が違う「エンコースティックモノイプ(版画技法)」で、一点物抽象画に仕上げた。

「エンコースティックモノタイプ」はヒートパレットの上に絵具で描き、溶けた絵具あるいは溶けつつある絵の具を紙の上に移しとっていく。パレットの温度や瞬間瞬間で絵具は動き、様々に変化する。この手法はある程度はコントロールできるが、完全にはコントロールできない。

長い紙に辛抱強く色をのていく過程で、予期せぬハプニングも起こる。困難・苦難もあればハッピーアクシデントもある。まるで人生のジャーニーそのものである。

同新作では、百人一首の人生の歌に加え、奥義を語る聖書の中の『Lamentations（哀歌）』や、この世のすべてを「虚しい」と説きながらも、何事にも時があり、さらには生きる目的の結論を導き出している『Ecclesiastes（コヘレトの言葉）』を念頭に置きながら作品を制作した。

また現代社会のSDGs を意識し「創造的再利用」にもなるアンティークの掛軸をいわゆる「フレーム」・Beyond – 向こう側をのぞける窓にも見立て展示する。十字にも見えるため、そこにも西洋ではよく知られている「愛の象徴」を表現している。

-木製パネルにエンコースティック・ミクストメディアの “Lamentation” の一部と “Journey.”  2015年〜2017年
–Works on Paper｜無酸性和紙にエンコースティック・ミクストメディア: 巻紙風、掛軸に. 2017年〜2023年
–Works on Paper｜無酸性アート紙、和紙にエンコースティック・モノタイプ、コラージュ: 反物風) 2023年

🔸Part 3: “Four Seasons
「フォー・シーズン (四季)」

百人一首の中で、四季に関して詠んだ和歌を集めてそれぞれ作品にしたもの。

実際の季節の中での気づきや感情を詠んだ歌だが、単なる実際の春夏秋冬の景色でなく、人生におけるシーズン、良い時もあり、悪い時もあり、生きていく中で種まきの時もあり、穫り入れの時もあり、それぞれの時があり、時季は過ぎ去ることも念頭においている。

本展では、夏・秋・冬を展示。夏の全4首が入った１作品、秋の和歌は非常に多く、全16首ある中から４点組１作品と、30.5cm四方の２作品を紹介。全6首の冬は、縦約87cmと30.5cmの大小、各２点組、(売約済みを除いた) 全２作品を展示。

🔸Part 4: “Cry for LOVE  – What Men Feel –
「クライ・フォー・ラブ （愛を求めて  〜オトコの気持ち〜）」　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

百人一首の中で、男性歌人が作った「恋の歌」に焦点をあてた作品を今後制作予定。
男性は、一般的に感情的になったり表現するのが女性よりも少なかったり苦手といわれることがある。バイアスでもあるが、それを反映し、服を脱いだとき、より無防備に、素直になる…あるいは本当の気持ちも出やすいということを取り入れて、撮影も含め作品を制作していく。さらに民族・国籍を問わず絵の中に登場させることで垣根をなくしている。今回は予告編スニーク・ピークとして。2点を展示。

また関連のアーティスト・ブックも展示します。

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

_CryForLove9-80ab_MisakoOba_c_w1000From the series Truth in Emotion, Beyond Time and Space.  25.5 x 12 x 2 inch (64×30.5x5cm), ２点組もしくは 上に２点加えて４点組アートにも.

Show info postcard: Misako OBA's LOVE: Beyond Time and Space

👆Download the PDF – Gallery info for Misako OBA solo Exhibition 2023 (Japanese Postcard back)

Misako OBA solo exhibition 大庭みさこ個展
Love: Beyond Time and Space

■レセプション Reception 🍷🎉
10月14日（土）18:30-19:30
どなたでもお越しいただけます

■会期 2023年10月9日 (祝)〜10/22(日) 12:00 – 19:00
10月16日休廊 最終日は16:00まで

■場所：Roonee 247 Fine Arts
ルーニィ247ファインアーツ ギャラリー   (空港や東京駅からのアクセスも良いです😃)
〒103-0001 東京都中央区日本橋小伝馬町17-9 さとうビル4階
https://www.roonee.jp
TEL: 03-6661-2276

■今回の展示について(ギャラリーウェブサイト)

CryForLove_layout1_groupMisakoOBA

(In English)
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Posted in art, artbook, エンコースティック, Beyond Time and Space, Encaustic, exhibition, 蜜ろう, Included Japanese日本語も, Japanese word, Japanese 日本語, Mixed Media, News/Announcement, Photography, Post in Japanese, Series, Series Description, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Solo Show Info [Love: Beyond Time and Space]

Posted on September 19, 2023 by misako

Updated on October 11, 2023
(Please scroll down for English.  Details about the series and the exhibition.)

Misako OBA solo exhibition
Love: Beyond Time and Space

★ Reception 🍷🎉
10/14 (土) 6:30pm〜7:30pm
お気軽にご参加ください😊

会期：2023年10月9日 (祝)〜10/22(日)
時間：12:00 – 19:00　10月16日休廊,  最終日は16:00まで

Beyond Time and Space シリーズより国内では初、最新作も含め50点前後の作品の発表になります。蜜ろうを使った古典技法エンコースティックの現代適用で、日本ではまだまだめずらしい技法のアートです。

※このブログをご覧になった方、V.I.P. アートニュースレター ご登録の方は入場無料😉（皆さん無料)

Roonee 247 Fine Arts
ルーニィ247ファインアーツ ギャラリー   (空港や東京駅からのアクセスも良いです😃)
〒103-0001 東京都中央区日本橋小伝馬町17-9 さとうビル4階
https://www.roonee.jp
TEL: 03-6661-2276

日本の個展だと、お花などを購入して持ってきてくださる方もいらっしゃるようですが（今回会場には飾れませんし）お気持ちだけ受け取らせていただきます。お心遣いありがとうございます。どうぞてぶらでご高覧ください。

_CryForLove9-80ab_MisakoOba_c_w1000From the series Truth in Emotion, Beyond Time and Space.  25.5 x 12 x 2 inch (64×30.5x5cm), ２点組もしくは 上に２点加えて４点組アートにもなる 9-#80.

Show info postcard: Misako OBA's LOVE: Beyond Time and Space

■■■

いよいよ、『Truth in Emotion, Beyond Time and Space（直訳：感情の真実 〜時空を超えて〜』シリーズの作品を（オンラインでなく）画廊での個展で発表します。日本国内ではなんと初めてお披露目致します。

アートは、蜜ろうを使ったエンコースティック・ミクストメディアで、木製パネル上のものと、写真にはまだ撮っていませんが、紙の上に施した作品など50点以上を紹介。インスタレーション的な展示もあります。

美術でミクストメディアとは、ひとつの作品の中にに複数の媒体を使用した技法。今回私の場合は、主にエンコースティック、油彩、水彩、墨、顔料インク、シルク、和紙、金粉・銀粉ほかを使っています。私の作品の多くには、英語やフランス語、コンピュータ言語、ヘブライ語等々、テキスト文字が入っているのにお気づきの方もいらっしゃると思いますが、今回は日本語、平安時代の変体がな（亡き父：雅号 大庭草丘による）書を入れ込んだ作品群です。一見日本的に見える桜、山、竹その他、作品中の蜜ろう上への写真転写は、シリーズのコンセプトに合わせて私が意図的に海外で撮影しました。

いつの時代も、生ていると直面する様々な問題、恋愛、転機、別れ、老い、虚しさ等々、皆じようなことで悩むものです。

本展[LOVE: Beyond Time and Space]では、私たちの感情や行動をも左右する「愛と人生」をテーマに、日本と海外、古代と現代、同じ人間として共通するものはなんなのか、先入観の危うさ、感情、思考、思想、価値観を考え、
この世での人生とは何か、
今、あなたは愛をどう感じ、表現するのかを問いかけます。

古代の日本人のびっくりするぐらい情熱的な愛も味わってください😚

■■■会場での展示の詳細はこちらのページにも掲載しました。

個展のタイトルが示すように、同シリーズの中から、小倉百人一首の中で、女流歌人が書いた(*) 恋の歌を元に制作した
Part 1：Cry for LOVE – What Women Feel – クライ・フォー・ラブ （愛を求めて 〜女の気持ち〜）の木製パネル上の全作品25点中心に、

　Part ２： Cry for LIFE より、人生に関する９首にインスパイアされ制作した作品を展示。実は1.5メートル近くの木製パネル３点組の大作が現在米国にあるため、新たに今年、Works on Paper (巻物・反物風の作品）の新作を制作することに。
会場ではそのインスタレーションも。(コンピュータ言語などを入れ込んでいるものも。)

日本の古典、百人一首の中の人生の歌は、人生の悲哀、人生を嘆く歌のなんと多いことか、ほとんどが、この世に生きることの嘆きである。そして欧米の古典でもある聖書の中には、人生直面する虚しさや嘆きもあるが、その先のその答え、解決策が既にあったことを発見。そしてそこには希望があった。

そのため、百人一首の人生の歌に加え、人生の奥義を語る聖書の中のLamentation(哀歌)やEcclesiastes(コヘレトの手紙)からのテキストをコラージュし、古代ギリシャ、エジプト時代からの古典画材でもあるエンコースティックの現代適用で、ヒートパレットで溶かした絵具を使って、裏と表の顔が違うよエンコースティックモノイプ(版画技法)で一点物抽象画に仕上げました。

さらに、現代社会のSDGs を意識し「創造的再利用」にもなるアンティークの掛軸をいわゆる「フレーム」に見立て、コンセプトとともにコンテンポラリーな冒険展示も行う予定ですのでお楽しみに。

Part３：Four Seasons では四季をテーマにした作品と、
Part４： “Cry for LOVE – What Men Feel –”「クライ・フォー・ラブ （愛を求めて 〜男の気持ち〜）」からチラっとお見せします。こちらは今後継続して制作予定。

また関連のアーティスト・ブックも展示します。中でもBeyond Time Waka Poem 和歌ポエムは、これまでオンラインにも公開していないA.P アーティストプルーフ分も。蜜ろうエンコースティック中身をぜひご覧ください。

*小倉百人一首の中には男性が女の気持ちを想像して詠んだ恋の歌が三首あります。それもこのPart1に含めました。

このシリーズは、１点１点の制作に膨大なリサーチと理解、各地での撮影と、本作品制作前にミクストメディア素材を作る制作過程があります。Part１制作後、他シリーズにも移りましたが、10年以上もの歳月をかけて現在も制作をつづけているこのシリーズは、私の他のシリーズ同様、私たちの人生のジャーニーをテーマに、古典からの普遍的なメッセージと現代的な要素の新旧両方が織り込まれています。

■■■■■■会場での展示の詳細はこちらのページにも掲載しました。

最後に、ご案内ハガキの２点組のCry for LOVE 9-#80に見える和歌は:

0_長からむHyaku80

現代語訳:
あなたの愛が長く続くかどうかあなたの心もわからず、あなたと別れた今朝は、私のこの黒髪が乱れているように、もの思いに心も乱れています….。

2_MisakoOba_CryForLove9b_detail“Cry for LOVE 9-#80b” (detail)

■:: In English :::■

Finally, the all the artworks from Truth in Emotion, Beyond Time and Space – Part 1, 2, 3, and sneak peek of Part 4 will be exhibited at a gallery in person in my solo show. They are encaustic mixed media (encaustic, oil, sumi and pigment ink, hand-dyed silk and paper…etc. )  This year, I also newly added encaustic monotype on Japanese calligraphy rice paper. Long!♥ like a kimono textile.

In this solo show, besides the main Part 1 and 2, I am going to share Part3 and the sneak peek of Part 4. Over 50 artworks will be exhibited at the gallery.

I know it’s been taking a long time (over ten years) to create and compete each. I didn’t want to sell until the entire pieces will be shown at once (Not online but the actual physical gallery), so I had to keep declining… Sorry🙏. Yet, during the studio visit by the enthusiastic art collector in the United States and a gallerist in Europe, some pieces are already in their new home. I couldn’t keep saying no since it was taking so long to finish each Part. I truly appreciate the interest. Your interest, too.

Early this year, I was offered a solo show from one of the established gallery in Japan. The director was interested in this series. It will be the very first time to show the artworks from this series in Japan.

The description of this exhibition/ series is in the separate page.😊. You may already know some about the series from my previous posts. (However, I have new concept and brand new works. So, keep your eyes on my blog post in here).

I would like to invite you to the gallery in person.

Misako OBA solo exhibition
Love: Beyond Time and Space
October 9-22, 2023.  Gallery hours: 12-19:00
Closed on Monday, Oct. 16
Last day (Oct. 22) Open until 16:00

★ Reception 🍷🎉
Saturday, October 14, 2023
18:30-19:30 (JST)
You are welcome to join us!

■Roonee 247 Fine Arts
Sato Bild.,4F, 17-9 Nihonbashi-Kodemmacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Zip: 103-0001
Phone: +81-3-6661-2276
https://www.roonee.jp
■Show info at the gallery website (in Japanese)

_CryForLove9-80ab_MisakoOba_c_w1000From the series Truth in Emotion, Beyond Time and Space.  25.5 x 12 x 2 inch (64×30.5x5cm), available as Quadriptych. 

Show info postcard: Misako OBA's LOVE: Beyond Time and Space

👆Download the PDF – Gallery info for Misako OBA solo Exhibition 2023 (Japanese Postcard back)

CryForLove_layout1_groupMisakoOBA

Many more different types of artworks from the same series will be REVEALED!
If you are not on the list of my V.I.P. Newsletter, sign up today. You will receive free admission (when applicable) and always VIP invitation to the artist reception😉.

■■■

By the way, the love poem you can see in the work of the diptych Cry for LOVE 9-#80 above.

0_長からむHyaku80Meaning: [I don’t know if your love will last long. So, after you left this morning,
my heart is confused like my long, disheveled black hair.]  Hyakunin Isshu #80 (poem from *Hakunin Isshu) by Horikawa.

Hope you enjoy the art!

3_MisakoOba_CryForLove9-80d_detailBeyond Time & Space: “Cry for LOVE 9-#80d” (detail), Misako OBA. 

 

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Posted in art, artbook, Beyond Time and Space, Encaustic, exhibition, Included Japanese日本語も, Japanese 日本語, Mixed Media, News/Announcement, Photography, Post in Japanese, Series, Series Description, wax or beeswax | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Turn into Joy!

Posted on May 27, 2023 by misako

Updated the links and images on July 5
(日本語は下記: Japanese follows)

Joy is Coming. How Can You Feel Joy?
Encaustic/Wax Exhibition of Joy

For many, to feel joy may be a journey. Sometimes, circumstances make the journey hard or seemingly futile. Joy is often supplanted by emotional drainage, or emotional baggage. Joy may seem like a distant and unattainable goal.

However, my life experiences have empowered me with the following philosophy: No matter the circumstances, joy can be attained. It may not happen automatically.

It may require prayers, experimentation, exploration, surrendering, acceptance, and making decisions. Often tough decisions. Feelings are unreliable. Unstable emotions may threaten your life. We should not act just based on feeling/emotions…especially negative emotions. Days go by no matter how you feel. 

You may not be able to achieve joy on your own. Acknowledging our Creator may be a key. We are all human, after all. 

It is very encouraging to know that: 

“He (Our Creator/God) has collected all my tears in His bottle.” 
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning” (Psalm 56:8, 30:5)

This day is a gift. 　Every day is a gift.

Even though no one understands what you are going through, your Creator knows it. He is by your side and loving. He is in control. Believing that and trusting with your heart can help you rest in Him. This will change your perspective and perhaps the end result. The first step to receiving joy.

My artistic process and the creations start with a bottom layer emanating from negative emotions that we all have at some point of life – a “dirty” layer. The bottom is where it belongs. I then cover it with “layers of joy” – using encaustic.

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(The slides show the bottom “dirty” layers, process, and the final artwork….)

Trials in life shape us to be a deeper human. It is what we must acknowledge and embrace.

The image of Misako Oba's encaustic mixed media artwork. purple
 “Joy is Coming” 2023, Misako OBA. Signed on the recto, Signed and titled and verso.
Encaustic mixed media on Wood Panel. Framed with a wooden white floater frame. Ready to hang. 

There is an opportunity to view and purchase artworks both at the in-person museum venue (below) and online.  And on YouTube.  Free free to contact me or museum director if you have any question or interested in acquiring the artwork. Artist Statement.

JOY Exhibition (Encaustic/Wax Exhibition)
at Museum of Encaustic Art
18 County Road, 55A
Cerrillos, NM 87010, USA
MAY 27 – JULY 8, 2023
Reception:  Saturday, May 27, noon- 3pm (MDT)

The In-Person Exhibition will be held at the Museum of Encaustic Art in New Mexico. Join us at an opening reception that will be held on May 27 from noon to three Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). 

The juror Georgina Love selected the artworks from the contemporary artists that are made with encaustic, hot wax, or cold wax; the works for this exhibition based on the quality of the work, how well the work relates to the theme, the artist statements, and the overall cohesiveness of the exhibit.

“Joy is a short word that packs a lot of punch. Joy & happiness are somewhat similar, but are actually two different emotions. Joy is attributed to something consistent and internal, while happiness tends to be triggered by something external. While both emotions are uplifting, we have chosen this simple word to inspire work that springs from an internal nudge to create from a place beyond all of life’s upheavals & distractions.”  

I encourage you to view encaustic/wax works in person. You can experience the real feel and texture of those artworks. Very different feelings from just viewing them online. (So many times, I get strong/better impressions and comments from those who finally viewed artworks in person). However, if you don’t have a chance to visit the museum now, the organizer put them on the EAI website. Please feel free to explore. You can find the artist statement along with each artwork.

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Joy is Coming ジョイ（喜び）がやってくる
どのようすれば幸せ・喜びを感じることができるのか？
ジョイがテーマの エンコースティック/ワックスの展覧会

多くの人にとって、喜び（joy）を感じることは旅（ジャーニー）のようなものかもしれません。時には状況がその“旅”を困難にしたりして、一見「喜び」を感じることは無理に思えたりすることもあります。「ジョイ(喜び)」は、感情の重荷や気持ちが消耗に押しつぶされて取って代えられてしまうことがよくあります。すると「ジョイ(喜び)」を得ることは、遠くて達成不可能な目標のように思えるかもしれません。

しかし、これまでの私の人生経験から、次のような哲学が与えられ悟りました。

「どんな状況があっても、ジョイは得ることができる。」Joyとhapinessは違います（*下記に説明あり）

ただ、自動的に得られるものではないこともあるでしょう。祈り、試すこと（実験）、探求、身を任せる・感情を委ねる（降伏）、受け入れること(受容)、決心・決断（多くは難しい決断）が必要になるかもしれません。

私は以下の言葉にも勇気づけられました。

私たちの創造主・神様は、私の涙を一滴残さず、 びんにすくい集めてくれた。(詩篇 56章8節)

たとえ、夜通し泣き明かすことがあっても、 朝には喜びが訪れる。(詩篇 30章5節)

結局のところ、私たちは皆人間なんです。

自分ひとりの力で喜びを得ることを達成することはできないことも多いでしょう。私たちの創造主を認識することが大きなヒント、鍵となるかもしれないのです。

あなたが経験していることを誰もわかってくれないかもしれませんが、あなたの創造主は知っています。彼はあなたのそばにいて愛してくれているということ、すべてをコントロールできる力を持っています。それを信じて心から信頼することは、（その時々に起こる外的要素にまどわされず）あなたは神様の手の中で心の内側から安らげることができるでしょう。それによってあなたの視点が変わり、おそらく最終結果も変わってくるでしょう。「ジョイ（喜び）」を受け取るための最初のステップです。

今日という日は神様からの贈り物。

毎日がギフトです。

私のコンセプトを反映した制作過程として、まず一番下の層に、私たち人間誰しもが、何らかの時、何らかの形で持つネガティブな感情を発し表現すべく、「醜く汚い」レイヤー（層）を描き、その後、エンコースティック絵具を「ジョイ・レイヤー（喜びの層）」として重ねていって、いわゆるネガティブな汚いものを覆いカバーしていくという手法をとりました。(上記の写真・スライドショーとその下の説明キャプションもご参照ください) 。お問い合わせは こちら。

Process (left:左) and Joy is Coming (right:右) by Misako OBA

好むと好まざるとに関わらず、人生における試練は、私たちをより奥深い人間へと形作ります。それは私たちが認め、受け入れなければならないことですね。

ジョイをテーマにして選ばれた蜜ろうを使ったエンコースティック・ワックス作品は、下記の会場ほか、onlineオンラインや YouTube でも正面からだけですが、ご覧いただけます。実際の感じはやはり会場で、もしく日本国内でプライベート・ビューイングも承っていますので、お気軽にお問い合わせください。。

JOY Exhibition (Encaustic/Wax Exhibition)
米国エンコースティック美術館
18 County Road, 55A
Cerrillos, NM 87010
会期：2023年 5月27日〜7月8日
レセプション:5月27日(土) 正午〜３時(現地時間)

米国のサンタフェから近いニューメキシコ州のエンコースティック・アート美術館で開催されています。現地時間 5月27日（土）の正午から3時には、アーティストも出席してオープニングレセプションが行われるので是非お出かけください。

「ジョイ (Joy)」をテーマにした今回の展覧会は、審査員のジョージーナ氏が、エンコースティック、ホットワックス、またはコールドワックスで作られた現代アーティストの作品で、作品の質、テーマとの関連性、各アーティストが作品のコンセプト等を述べたアーティスト・ステートメント、全体のまとまりを基準に作品を選びました。

展覧会企画者および審査員より

「Joy（ジョイ）」は短い言葉でありながら、とてもパンチがあります（多くの活力を秘めています。)「ジョイ(喜び)」と「ハピネス(幸せ)」はどこか似ていますが、実際には2つの異なる感情です。「ジョイ(joy)」は一貫した内的なものに起因すると考えられいますが、「ハピネス(hapiness)」は外的なものに誘発される傾向があります。

どちらの感情も高揚感を与えてくれますが、私たちは、人生のあらゆる激動や乱心・動揺・気を散らすものを超えて創造しようとする内的な衝動・後押しから生まれてくる（湧き出る）作品を鼓舞するために、このシンプルな言葉を展覧会のテーマに選びました。」

この機会に、蜜ろうを使ったエンコースティック/ワックスで制作されたアート作品をご高覧ください。実際に会場で見る作品とオンラインでの単なる写真とでは印象が異なり、本物の方が何倍も良いので（という意見を多くいただくので）、是非、展覧会場のエンコースティック美術館に足を運んでみてください。

🔷 また今年は、日本国内で個展も予定しています。シリーズは別ですが、そちらもエンコースティッックを使ったアートなので、是非 Misako’s V.I.P. newsletter😊に登録して詳細を受けとってくださいね。私も在廊しますし、レセプションも予定しています。是非、本物の作品たちをご覧ください。お楽しみに！

🔷インスタ Instagramでのストーリーズやポストでも最新情報を発信しています。

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