Installing Day at Prairie Pines

     On the days of installing at Prairie Pines, I started early to avoid the heat in the afternoon.  These days, the temperature goes up to over 100°.   I decided to build the big bundle of the leaves at the site because I figured the size of the finished work was going to be over sized for my car.  

Putting them together on the ground for fun  

I needed a ladder to build this piece. 

Finished!  Yes, it is almost invisible!  I would say it is a good thing.  

 

     The next day, I installed the piece at the area with a waterfall.  The smaller bundle of the leaves could fit in my car.  I will post the images of the installed works in the next couple of blogs.  

Chamber Music at the Barn
Date: June 23 - July 29, 2016
Place: Prairie Pines
4055 N. Tyler Rd. Maize, KS, 67101
More music concerts Information here.

Making Works for Prairie Pines and Arts AMaize

     This summer, I was invited to make outdoor sculptures / installations at Prairie Pines in Maize KS for a music concert series called,"Chamber Music at the Barn".  Prairie Pines has beautiful gardens with a stone bridge, ponds and waterfalls.  I fell in love with this place immediately as I was shown around.

     I was attracted to two places for my works.  One is this site with a waterfall.  It is an enclosed area surrounded by trees.  From the top of the waterfall to the bottom, there is about 10 foot height difference.  The water flows into a stream which is about 30 feet long.  I was inspired by the topography and the sense of serenity of this area.

     
 

     Another site is here with a lone tree in a green lawn.

     Instead of the material of threads that I often use for my installation, I decided to use monofilaments and wires for this project to make my work durable outdoors.  These materials led me to make shapes of leaves.  Here is a sketch for the elements.

       This is an illustration of the planned image.

     After I got the approval for my proposal, I started making elements of leaves with monofilaments and wires at home.  The technique is to tie knots just like I did with my previous works.

Chamber Music at the Barn
Date: June 23 - July 29, 2016
Place: Prairie Pines
4055 N. Tyler Rd. Maize, KS, 67101
More music concerts Information here.

Art Byway Along Kansas 177 and Publications

     A vision of making an "art byway" along Kansas 177 is growing and taking shape.  There are four contemporary art galleries in this area, which might be unexpected in such a remote place.  One of them is the Bank Art Space, where my show is going on right now.  The other three galleries are The Gallery at Pioneer Bluffs, Symphony in the Flint Hills Gallery, and The Volland Store.   A plan of making a sculpture path is also underway.  Recently, the story of this vision and some new movements of this plan were written and published in Kansas City Star newspaper.  A color photo of my installation from my show was included in this article.

     Another publication of  my works which happened through this show was in a book called "Symphony in the Flint Hills Journey, The Field Journal 2016".   My outdoor installation "Prairie Origami Cranes and Nest" and my painting  "Sojourning #11" were included in this issue.  This book can be purchased through this page.

     I made another trip to Matfield Green to visit my show and to explore the area.  This time, I went all the way up to Alma in Wabaunsee County, where The Volland Store Gallery, one of the galleries along Kansas 177, is located.  A show titled "Paper Giants" was going on.  This show is up until May 29th.  

The Volland Store

     While the pasture is so green, I hope you could visit this area and enjoy the landscape and four galleries.  

Shirotaeno - Prairie Journey
The Bank Art Space
Reed St, Kansas Scenic Byway 177, Matfield Green KS
(620)-753-3451
Date: April 9 - June 5, 2016 Fri, Sat, &  Sun. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Opening Reception at The Bank Art Space

Thank you to those of you who came to the opening reception of my show at The Bank Art Space  last Saturday!  Matfield Green has a beautiful art community.  

This place is loved by people from near and far.  

My "A Thread X A Thread" with the red pillars at The Bank Art Space

So thankful that many threads were added again. 

A newly-wed couple came and tied a knot. 

Ton and Ans, the directors of the Bank Art Space

I am so thankful for their positive thinking and believing in my show.

The controlled burning has just done in this site for the future sculpture path in Matfield Green.

Some new grass is coming out.

 Dark colored prairie after the controlled burning

The show is up till June 5, 2016.  Please stop by if you are in this area.  

Shirotaeno - Prairie Journey
The Bank Art Space
Reed St, Kansas Scenic Byway 177, Matfield Green KS
(620)-753-3451
Date: April 9 - June 5, 2016 Fri, Sat, &  Sun. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Exploring Matfield Green and the Surrounding Area 来たるマットフィールドグリーンでのショーに向けて(4) マットフィールドグリーンと周辺の土地巡り

     Life is like a journey and I am like a traveler and a sojourner on the earth.  I consider my artistic life as a journey as well.  Not just showing my work at shows, but it is meaningful for me to explore the places where my art takes.  Since I will have an opportunity to have a show in Matfield Green, KS from April through the end of May, I have been exploring this little city in the Flint Hills and its surrounding area.

　人生は旅のようで、この世では自分は旅人で寄留者のようなものだと思っています。アートをしながらの人生も旅をしているようなもので、ショーをしに行く先々では作品を展示するだけでなく、その場所を見て回ることができれば、と思っています。今回４月から５月末までマットフィールドグリーンでショーをさせてもらうこの機会に、フリントヒルズに位置するこの小さな村と、その周辺の土地を訪れてみました。

 Spring in Matfield Green, KS

 Old school with goats

 Trains in Matfield Green.  Trains make me feel at home.

 Pear trees are in full bloom.

 Old church in Bazaar, KS, about 6 miles north of Matfield Green

 Old school in Bazaar

 Scenic byway between Matfield Green and Cottonwood Falls on Highway 177

  Found an old one room school house near Florence, Marion, Co.

   This school had only two students when it was closed 70 years ago.  

Flint Hills Market & Bakery in Florence

 On a big table, saw some cards with portraits of historical people in KS.

This lady kindly added threads to my thread piece.

Apparently, I like old buildings.  Florence, KS

     I've been living in Kansas for 20 years, but I had not explored the rural Kansas this much before.  Many places are losing population.  I saw many abandoned houses. This area is so beautiful and could become like a big tourist place if they try to promote it, but this serenity and quietness is priceless.

　カンザスに住んでもう２０年になりますが、こんな風にカンザスの田舎を見て回ったのは初めてです。ほとんどの町で人口が減少し、朽ち落ちた廃家が見られます。とてもきれいな場所なので、観光に力を入れれば多くの観光客が来るようになるかもしれないような所ですが、この清々しさと静けさは何物にも代えがたいものがある、と思いました。

Shirotaeno - Prairie Journey
Bank Art Space
Reed St, Kansas Scenic Byway 177, Matfield Green KS
(620)-753-3451
Date: April 9 - June 5, 2016