City Bird Keeper is now a PokeStop for Pokemon GO

     The Keeper that my daughter Sarah and I painted is now a PokeStop!  You can spin it and it gives you goodies!  It's fun that our art piece is enjoyed by the people of the community in this kind of way, too.  And, yes, I have sent a request to Niantic to fix the misspelling of my name.  

     This is one of the Keepers to celebrate Wichita's 150th anniversary.  The title of the piece is City Bird Keeper.  Here is the link to more details about this Keeper, if you are interested. 

     I had some fun with my buddy and other Pokemon with our Keeper in the background a bit.  
 

     By the way, Pokegoers, our Keeper is visible from the street and it can be reached to interact with from the street, but obviously, don't do that while you're driving!  

City Bird Keeper

Clapp Memorial Park (NE Corner of the park)

4611 E.. Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218

There is a parking lot on the west side of the clubhouse.  It is about a couple of minutes' walk from the parking lot to our Keeper.  

     

KMUW Artist Series Zoom Interview Video on YouTube

     Here is the link to the Zoom interview video Chiyoko Myose Interview / KMUW Artist Series on YouTube.  It is a little long (7mins), so you may feel like a marathon runner at the end.  My original draft was even longer than this, so bear with me!  

     My painting Sojourning #21 is now nicely framed and printed on t-shirts.  The painting is displayed on the wall at the KMUW's office entrance area.  The office is not open to the public due to the pandemic, though.  Hopefully, the situation will get better by the time when the exhibition is held this fall! 

 This photo was reposted from KMUW's Instagram post saying,

Community engagement coordinator Haley Crowson is modeling our new t-shirt, featuring artwork by Chiyoko Myose. You can get yours by making a donation to KMUW of $120 or more. Call (316) 987-6700 to talk to a staff member, or click the 'Donate' button at KMUW.org.

     Here are the mug cups.  I like the vivid colors and the shininess.  It looks like there are two different cups, but actually, one cup has two images.  If you place two cups next to each other, the design looks like they are connected with the line elements.  Fun!

 

10 Years After Tohoku Disaster and Hisakatano

      Today is 10 years since the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. After 10 years, the journey still continues. Japan's grief and loss can never truly heal. I would like to send my sincere condolence to all who have been affected. I pray that such a devastating disaster won't happen anywhere in the world.

　東日本大震災から今日で10年です。10年後の今もまだ復興の旅路は続いています。日本の悲しみや失ったものは決して癒えることはありません。被災された方々にお悔やみを申し上げます。このような大きな災害がもう二度と、どの国にも起こらないようにと祈ります。

One year after the disaster, I made this piece "Hisakatano". I learned that creating something can help us calm our hearts and make us move on even in the time of mourning.

　震災後一年目にこの「ひさかたの」という作品を祈り心で作りました。何かを制作することは、心を落ち着かせ、悲しみの中にあっても、前向きな気持ちにさせてくれることをこの作品は学ばせてくれました。

     The title of this piece "Hisakatano" is from a waka, a short poem by Kino Tomonori from the 9th century.  The word Hisakatano itself does not have a meaning, but it is a word that goes with the word ‘the light’. The poem goes like this...

On such a light tranquil spring day,

Why do the cherry blossoms fall like restless thoughts?

タイトルの「ひさかたの」は「光」にかかる枕詞で、9世紀の紀友則の和歌から付けました。

「ひさかたの光のどけき春の日に静心なく花の散るらむ」

You can read the artist statement here.  

KMUW Artist Series 2021 Designs for the Mugs and T-Shirts

     The designs for the mugs and t-shirts or the KMUW Artist Series are presented!    

 

     Photo: from KMUW website

     The left image is my installation "Gift" (detail,) and the right image is my painting  "Sojourning #21".  Here is the page to reserve them for you and support KMUW. 

     To know more about the KMUW Artist Series, please click here.

                                                                  Photo: from KMUW website

 

KMUW Artist Series 2021

     I am selected to be the featured artist for the KMUW Artist Series Program 2021.  KMUW is the NPR for Wichita KS.  Artist Series is a pledge drive event for KMUW, but also a long-running artist recognition event that KMUW has.  Being selected for this award means that I am recognized as the "Wichita Artist of the Year." The program will run from spring through the end of the year. 

     Two of my pieces, one installation image, and one painting will be featured on their coffee mugs and t-shirts.  Please make your donation at KMUW.org to get yours and support KMUW.  

     During the spring pledge drive period, the digital interviews will be aired.  In the fall, my work will be exhibited at their exhibition space including a video presentation.

       I feel honored and humbled for this recognition and award.  I am also thankful for the opportunity to do something for the community even during this time of the pandemic.  I hope my work will be meaningful and serve well for the community in this challenging time.    

     

"Foot in the Door" show at Wichita Art Museum

     My painting "Iridescence #76" is exhibited in the "Foot in the Door" show at Wichita Art Museum from Oct. 10, 2020, through April 18, 2021.  This exhibition is a non-juried community art exhibition showcasing about 570 pieces of artwork submitted by artists across the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.  This show is held in conjunction with the museum's 85th anniversary.  Each artwork is no more than 12 x 12 inches square.  

     I visited the show the other day, and I was so amazed by so many artistic talents in the Wichita community.  It also made me feel so excited to see so many peoples' artworks at one place especially in this time of isolation during the pandemic. It was fun as if I was at a party, while we cannot have parties in person.   Thank you, Wichita Art Museum, for holding this big show!  Wichita has been my home for 25 years.  I'm so glad to be a part of this show and a part of this community.  

                                        

This is my work, "Iridescence #76"

Foot in the Door 

Dates:Oct. 10, 2020 - April 18,2021

Wichita Art Museum 

1400 Museum Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203

More Photos of A Thread X (Meets) A Thread at Red Barn Studio

     Here are some more photos from my artist residency experience at Red Barn Studio.  It was a great feeling to be able to use this space by myself day and night.  It's a magical place; a historical charming building with details of the artist's spirited craftmanship.  During the two weeks' stay, I did some experiments with some abstract painting techniques, worked on a prototype of a sculpture, and did some quick gestural representational paintings.   Every new work I did there was experimental and I'm glad I was able to try these while I did not have any pressure or obligation to show them in public.         

    

     The installation piece A Thread X A Thread has become even more important after meeting special people in Lindsborg.  Some people were traveling and happened to stop by at the museum.  Many of the conversations were so inspirational and encouraging. 

  

 

    

      I was also very grateful that I could stay at the apartment next to the studio in which Lester Raymer was actually living.  My most favorite in the apartment was a copper-like work by Raymer at the top of a door.  I enjoyed the small details of the building which were created by Raymer.  

     

     I took many photos of my installation A Thread X A Thread, my nest here, in the studio from the lower floor and the upper floor.  It just looked different depends on whether it was in a dark or light setting.  Being able to access the studio day and night and the presence of a large window enabled me to take these photos.  

 

     It was hard to leave this place after two weeks' happy time and adventure.  I would like to do this again if the Lord is willing.