"Gifts from Our Homeland" is Installed at Salilna HEC

       After the second part of the installation work for my new piece "Gifts from Our Homeland" was finished by an electrician, I went up to Salina, KS again to check the piece.  It was beautifully installed and the information plaque was already posted.  If you missed my previous blog article on this work, please click here.  

Artist Statement

Gifts from Our Homeland

2021

Mixed media

Chiyoko Myose

Wichita, Kansas

 

       “Gifts from Our Homeland” was inspired by the selfless hard work of medical professionals and the unique mission of KU School of Medicine and School of Nursing in Salina, KS.  This piece has several layers of meaning; it sends a message of hope and appreciation while also signifying the importance of relationships and the home.

     The circular element in each shadowbox indicates a breath, a sign of hope for the patients.  The alternation in size from left to right or from right to left represents the movement of breathing.  The material of gauze reminds us of the medical workers’ gentle touch and determination to care for wounded people.  Each circle also connotes a flower bouquet to send appreciation to the medical professionals.  The background represents the Kansas landscape with gold-colored open fields.  The material of the thread signifies the relationship with the people of Kansas and our homeland.   Adding fiber optic cable lights not only enhance the meanings of the piece but also represents the importance of communication in medical practice, including telemedicine.    

       The fiber optic cables can be lit up by downloading the app; the lights can change color and can create movement in the piece.  After your use, please turn off the light and close the app by swiping up. 

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     During this time of the pandemic, I thought about medical professionals and their hard work many many times.  I wanted to express my appreciation to them somehow and I am grateful that this opportunity came at a very good timing.  

The piece without lighting

     I took many photos and videos and played with the fiber optic cable lights by downloading the app.  Everything worked great and it was fun! 

 

     I'm putting the lights on and changing the movement.  There are several movements available such as "fade," "breathe," "jump," and "flash."  However, the color choices are limited depending on the movement.  That is the only downside of this fiber optic cable light product I found.  For example, I wanted to use only white color with "breathe" movement, but there is no option like that.  It has a remote control as well, but we decided not to place it for public use.  

                                   

   

 

From the inside of the lounge area

Reflection on the lounge windows. 

It looks like there is another piece on the other side?

Changing the colors

Seeing the color change on the five pieces together.  I like the slight time lag.

Seeing the movement walking by.

Details

Video of the detail

The piece can respond to voice and music.

Music 

Music

     This sound feature was so cool, but I would suggest that the school not use it when classes are in session.  The sound and music may interfere with classes and exams.  

     

     The school is planning an opening event in the fall.  I don't know if it is going to be open to the public.  I presume they will give a tour or something like it if somebody asks for it in the future.  They have many gorgeous artworks in this building. I am so excited and grateful that my work was included in their collection. I hope this piece will be enjoyed by the people at the school for many years to come. 

KU School of Medicine Salina Health Education Center

138 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, Kansas, 67401

Tel: (785) 822-0400

My Website is Renewed

      I recently renewed my website chiyokomyose.com .  It is now smartphone-friendly.  Please visit it if you haven't.  

     Also, I have an Instagram account at chiyokomyoseart.  Feel free to follow me!

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.