A field of sunflowers, moving sculptures.  The flowers converse, look after one another, bow in all directions.  Eyelids of suns.  Us.

太陽の顔

ひまわりの畑、動く彫刻。言葉をかわす花々、互いに気遣い合い、さまざまな方向に向かって会釈をしている。太陽のまぶた。私たち。

DES VISAGES DE SOLEILS

Un champ de tournesols, sculptures mobiles.  Les fleurs se parlent, s’entretiennent, s’inclinant en tous sens, paupières de soleils.  Nous.

Text

Paul Briot, Le rayonnant… un art vers l’Infini… ?, essai, Publisher Caractères, Paris, 2004, 2017

Artists

Shodo Artist Shimada Saiso Interpretation of Author,  Dr. Paul Briot

www.shimadasaiso.com

Shaku-Hatchi Artist Masaki Nakamura Interpretation of Author,  Dr. Paul Briot

http://www.masaki-nakamura.com/

Publisher

Published by Caracteres, France.  Illustrations by Saiso Shimada.

Founded in 1950 the publisher Caracters has published many reknown writers, poets, mystics, and artists including Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda, Sri Aurobindo, and Pablo Picasso.  The book is available directly from the publisher Editions Caracteres, Paris, France.

http://www.editions-caracteres.fr/catalogue/paul-briot-le-rayonnant-un-art-vers-linfini/

Beyond Our Best :  Re-inventing Ourselves Silently

Artists (Architects, Opera, Musicians, Dance, Film, Noh, Scientists & Others) Contact Us to Interpret Passage of Dr. Paul Briot’s work in your Field of Expertise.

Faces of Suns, Text by the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot

Dr. Paul Briot, a philosopher and poet, created artistic propositions on a new visionary art published in his 2004, 2017 and 2018 book — Le Rayonnant, un art vers l’infini (Editions Caracteres)  that has been interpreted by talented artists who meditate.

His 2018 book includes meditative music and paintings accessible through the mobile.  Music has been created for 6 passages and 6 paintings in that book by the Artist Saiso Shimada, the Shakuhatchi artist Masaki Nakamura, who created the music and paintings meditating with the meditator and artist Nathalie Ishizuka.

It took 3 full years of full time searching for Nathalie Ishizuka to discover Saiso Shimada and six years meditating with her and her raja yoga teacher weekly to create together original works. The rare artist that Dr. Paul Briot found could create a moment of silence in the viewer, is now exhibited with Ishizuka at the Japanese embassy in Brussels. Shimada had a solo show in 2017 at the Japanese Embassy and Ishizuka wanted to show the new works that resulted from their collaboration in 2024 that had been left in Tokyo. The wait has been worth it. Today at the Japanese Embassy in Brussels five of the originals published in Le Rayonnant are shared with the European public for the first time. Seven more paintings remain in Tokyo. Ishizuka now aspires with the help of museums or collectors to bring all the paintings back to Europe to be shared with other artists.

About Artist Saiso Shimada

Shimada, born in Yamagata Prefecture, studied under Kaian Tanaka.  Her works are on display in Beijing Palace Museum, British Library, Turk Japon Vakfi Kulutur Merkezi, Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellchaft, Ukraine National Gallery, and the Lianyungang Museum.  Numerous solo and group exhibitions including EU Embassy Tokyo several private gatherings July 2016, Galleries in Ginza Tokyo, Japan November 2017, the Japanese Embassy in Belgium summer 2017, and Paris, France June 2017.

Her work was commissioned to calligraph the signboard at Musahino Imperial Mausoleum (mausoleum complex of Japanese Emperors).

Most recently works of her art appeared in the philosopher and poet’s book Dr. Paul Briot’s newest 2017 edition of Le Rayonnant…un art vers l’Infini…   Her recent book Cosmic Calligraphy, the World of Saiso Shimada  (also 2017) is introduced with forward written by the curator of the State Hermitage Museum : Aleksey Bogolyubov, a specialist on Japanese art.

“This wonderous space created by her work brings forth pure emotion and will bring deep healing to people’s hearts and minds.”

— Aleksey Bogolyubov, Curator of the State Hermitage Museum

SAISO SHIMADA:  Combination of Breath, Joy, Energy & Spirit

Saiso Shimada: Combines Breath, Energy, Joy and Spirit

BREATH

Combines profound knowledge of calligraphy with Zen & over 15 years of Kikou (Qigong).  Each stroke is anchored in breath.

It took Nathalie Ishizuka three years to find Saiso Shimada, but it was well worth the wait.

While many artists meditate, Shimada had her own unique style and life exuded from her art with an energy that surprises and heals.

“She uses breath in a way I have never seen before,” says Ishizuka.  Each stroke is advanced yoga, each breath channels energy on to the paper for us to enjoy for many many years ahead.

ENERGY

Shimada paints together the present and the future: a flow of energy that is Japan’s spirit pointed upwards like a samurai sword.  It is vertical as is the human spirit inciting Japan to move in a new direction and to focus on what is important.  The incision is not horizontal, but vertical.

A new transformation through art.  Since shodo ink captures energy on paper and can keep it for many many years, sitting in front of one of these paintings is a sure way to enfuse oneself with new life.

After one meditation of Shimada not being her body nor her mind, Shimada’s calligraphy changed as did the energy in the characters.  Sitting in front of that painting Ishizuka can still feel its energy.   It sits at my desk to enfuse me with its strength.

JOY The practice of Shimada’s writing itself is a healing experience as is sitting in front of one of her paintings. Joy arises.
Spaciousness.
A place where time stops.
Behind each painting is a story, a place, an opening.

SPIRIT

How many artists when you ask them to draw an auto-portrait draw their spirit?

Larger Artworks by Saiso Shimada Provide Strong Energy to a Space

Saiso Shimada Teaches Shodo in Temples in Tokyo and has been asked by organizations to introduce Shodo and Design at high levels including the Top Design Team at Nike.

Her spirit and grace makes her presence invaluable and a beautiful gift to us all. “Her sheer presence,” is beautiful,” says Ishizuka.

SOIES PURES

純粋な絹

If in Museum, Zen Temple or Public Space Please Put Earphones to Enjoy and Press Play.

Pure Silk, Text by the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot

Dr. Paul Briot, a philosopher and poet, created artistic propositions on a new visionary art published in his 2004, 2017 and 2018 book — Le Rayonnant, un art vers l’infini (Editions Caracteres)  that has been interpreted by talented artists who meditate.

His 2018 book includes meditative music and paintings accessible through the mobile.  Music has been created for 6 passages and 6 paintings in that book by the Artist Saiso Shimada, the Shakuhatchi artist Masaki Nakamura, who created the music and paintings meditating with the meditator and artist Nathalie Ishizuka.

It took 3 full years of full time searching for Nathalie Ishizuka to discover Saiso Shimada and six years meditating with her and her raja yoga teacher weekly to create together original works. The rare artist that Dr. Paul Briot found could create a moment of silence in the viewer, is now exhibited with Ishizuka at the Japanese embassy in Brussels. Shimada had a solo show in 2017 at the Japanese Embassy and Ishizuka wanted to show the new works that resulted from their collaboration in 2024 that had been left in Tokyo. The wait has been worth it. Today at the Japanese Embassy in Brussels five of the originals published in Le Rayonnant are shared with the European public for the first time. Seven more paintings remain in Tokyo. Ishizuka now aspires with the help of museums or collectors to bring all the paintings back to Europe to be shared with other artists.

About Artist Saiso Shimada

Shimada, born in Yamagata Prefecture, studied under Kaian Tanaka.  Her works are on display in Beijing Palace Museum, British Library, Turk Japon Vakfi Kulutur Merkezi, Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellchaft, Ukraine National Gallery, and the Lianyungang Museum.  Numerous solo and group exhibitions including EU Embassy Tokyo several private gatherings July 2016, Galleries in Ginza Tokyo, Japan November 2017, the Japanese Embassy in Belgium summer 2017, and Paris, France June 2017.

Her work was commissioned to calligraph the signboard at Musahino Imperial Mausoleum (mausoleum complex of Japanese Emperors).

Most recently works of her art appeared in the philosopher and poet’s book Dr. Paul Briot’s newest 2017 edition of Le Rayonnant…un art vers l’Infini…   Her recent book Cosmic Calligraphy, the World of Saiso Shimada  (also 2017) is introduced with forward written by the curator of the State Hermitage Museum : Aleksey Bogolyubov, a specialist on Japanese art.

“This wonderous space created by her work brings forth pure emotion and will bring deep healing to people’s hearts and minds.”

— Aleksey Bogolyubov, Curator of the State Hermitage Museum

SAISO SHIMADA:  Combination of Breath, Joy, Energy & Spirit

Saiso Shimada: Combines Breath, Energy, Joy and Spirit

BREATH

Combines profound knowledge of calligraphy with Zen & over 15 years of Kikou (Qigong).  Each stroke is anchored in breath.

It took Nathalie Ishizuka three years to find Saiso Shimada, but it was well worth the wait.

While many artists meditate, Shimada had her own unique style and life exuded from her art with an energy that surprises and heals.

“She uses breath in a way I have never seen before,” says Ishizuka.  Each stroke is advanced yoga, each breath channels energy on to the paper for us to enjoy for many many years ahead.

ENERGY

Shimada paints together the present and the future: a flow of energy that is Japan’s spirit pointed upwards like a samurai sword.  It is vertical as is the human spirit inciting Japan to move in a new direction and to focus on what is important.  The incision is not horizontal, but vertical.

A new transformation through art.  Since shodo ink captures energy on paper and can keep it for many many years, sitting in front of one of these paintings is a sure way to enfuse oneself with new life.

After one meditation of Shimada not being her body nor her mind, Shimada’s calligraphy changed as did the energy in the characters.  Sitting in front of that painting Ishizuka can still feel its energy.   It sits at my desk to enfuse me with its strength.

JOY The practice of Shimada’s writing itself is a healing experience as is sitting in front of one of her paintings. Joy arises.
Spaciousness.
A place where time stops.
Behind each painting is a story, a place, an opening.

SPIRIT

How many artists when you ask them to draw an auto-portrait draw their spirit?

Larger Artworks by Saiso Shimada Provide Strong Energy to a Space

Saiso Shimada Teaches Shodo in Temples in Tokyo and has been asked by organizations to introduce Shodo and Design at high levels including the Top Design Team at Nike.

“Her sheer presence is beautiful and serene,” says Ishizuka.

UN NUAGE VIOLET

 紫色の雲

If in Museum, Zen Temple or Public Space Please Put Earphones to Enjoy and Press Play.

A Purple Cloud, Text by the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot

Dr. Paul Briot, a philosopher and poet, created artistic propositions on a new visionary art published in his 2004, 2017 and 2018 book — Le Rayonnant, un art vers l’infini (Editions Caracteres)  that has been interpreted by talented artists who meditate.

His 2018 book includes meditative music and paintings accessible through the mobile.  Music has been created for 6 passages and 6 paintings in that book by the Artist Saiso Shimada, the Shakuhatchi artist Masaki Nakamura, who created the music and paintings meditating with the meditator and artist Nathalie Ishizuka.

It took 3 full years of full time searching for Nathalie Ishizuka to discover Saiso Shimada and six years meditating with her and her raja yoga teacher weekly to create together original works. The rare artist that Dr. Paul Briot found could create a moment of silence in the viewer, is now exhibited with Ishizuka at the Japanese embassy in Brussels. Shimada had a solo show in 2017 at the Japanese Embassy and Ishizuka wanted to show the new works that resulted from their collaboration in 2024 that had been left in Tokyo. The wait has been worth it. Today at the Japanese Embassy in Brussels five of the originals published in Le Rayonnant are shared with the European public for the first time. Seven more paintings remain in Tokyo. Ishizuka now aspires with the help of museums or collectors to bring all the paintings back to Europe to be shared with other artists.

About Artist Saiso Shimada

Shimada, born in Yamagata Prefecture, studied under Kaian Tanaka.  Her works are on display in Beijing Palace Museum, British Library, Turk Japon Vakfi Kulutur Merkezi, Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellchaft, Ukraine National Gallery, and the Lianyungang Museum.  Numerous solo and group exhibitions including EU Embassy Tokyo several private gatherings July 2016, Galleries in Ginza Tokyo, Japan November 2017, the Japanese Embassy in Belgium summer 2017, and Paris, France June 2017.

Her work was commissioned to calligraph the signboard at Musahino Imperial Mausoleum (mausoleum complex of Japanese Emperors).

Most recently works of her art appeared in the philosopher and poet’s book Dr. Paul Briot’s newest 2017 edition of Le Rayonnant…un art vers l’Infini…   Her recent book Cosmic Calligraphy, the World of Saiso Shimada  (also 2017) is introduced with forward written by the curator of the State Hermitage Museum : Aleksey Bogolyubov, a specialist on Japanese art.

“This wonderous space created by her work brings forth pure emotion and will bring deep healing to people’s hearts and minds.”

— Aleksey Bogolyubov, Curator of the State Hermitage Museum

SAISO SHIMADA:  Combination of Breath, Joy, Energy & Spirit

Saiso Shimada: Combines Breath, Energy, Joy and Spirit

BREATH

Combines profound knowledge of calligraphy with Zen & over 15 years of Kikou (Qigong).  Each stroke is anchored in breath.

It took Nathalie Ishizuka three years to find Saiso Shimada, but it was well worth the wait.

While many artists meditate, Shimada had her own unique style and life exuded from her art with an energy that surprises and heals.

“She uses breath in a way I have never seen before,” says Ishizuka.  Each stroke is advanced yoga, each breath channels energy on to the paper for us to enjoy for many many years ahead.

ENERGY

Shimada paints together the present and the future: a flow of energy that is Japan’s spirit pointed upwards like a samurai sword.  It is vertical as is the human spirit inciting Japan to move in a new direction and to focus on what is important.  The incision is not horizontal, but vertical.

A new transformation through art.  Since shodo ink captures energy on paper and can keep it for many many years, sitting in front of one of these paintings is a sure way to enfuse oneself with new life.

After one meditation of Shimada not being her body nor her mind, Shimada’s calligraphy changed as did the energy in the characters.  Sitting in front of that painting Ishizuka can still feel its energy.   It sits at my desk to enfuse me with its strength.

JOY The practice of Shimada’s writing itself is a healing experience as is sitting in front of one of her paintings. Joy arises.
Spaciousness.
A place where time stops.
Behind each painting is a story, a place, an opening.

SPIRIT

How many artists when you ask them to draw an auto-portrait draw their spirit?

Larger Artworks by Saiso Shimada Provide Strong Energy to a Space

Saiso Shimada Teaches Shodo in Temples in Tokyo and has been asked by organizations to introduce Shodo and Design at high levels including the Top Design Team at Nike.

Her spirit and grace makes her presence invaluable and a beautiful gift to us all. “Her sheer presence,” is beautiful,” says Ishizuka.

LE FUSEAU BLANC

白い糸巻き

If in Museum, Zen Temple or Public Space Please Put Earphones to Enjoy and Press Play.

The White Spindle, Text by the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot

Dr. Paul Briot, a philosopher and poet, created artistic propositions on a new visionary art published in his 2004, 2017 and 2018 book — Le Rayonnant, un art vers l’infini (Editions Caracteres)  that has been interpreted by talented artists who meditate.

His 2018 book includes meditative music and paintings accessible through the mobile.  Music has been created for 6 passages and 6 paintings in that book by the Artist Saiso Shimada, the Shakuhatchi artist Masaki Nakamura, who created the music and paintings meditating with the meditator and artist Nathalie Ishizuka.

It took 3 full years of full time searching for Nathalie Ishizuka to discover Saiso Shimada and six years meditating with her and her raja yoga teacher weekly to create together original works. The rare artist that Dr. Paul Briot found could create a moment of silence in the viewer, is now exhibited with Ishizuka at the Japanese embassy in Brussels. Shimada had a solo show in 2017 at the Japanese Embassy and Ishizuka wanted to show the new works that resulted from their collaboration in 2024 that had been left in Tokyo. The wait has been worth it. Today at the Japanese Embassy in Brussels five of the originals published in Le Rayonnant are shared with the European public for the first time. Seven more paintings remain in Tokyo. Ishizuka now aspires with the help of museums or collectors to bring all the paintings back to Europe to be shared with other artists.

About Artist Saiso Shimada

Shimada, born in Yamagata Prefecture, studied under Kaian Tanaka.  Her works are on display in Beijing Palace Museum, British Library, Turk Japon Vakfi Kulutur Merkezi, Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellchaft, Ukraine National Gallery, and the Lianyungang Museum.  Numerous solo and group exhibitions including EU Embassy Tokyo several private gatherings July 2016, Galleries in Ginza Tokyo, Japan November 2017, the Japanese Embassy in Belgium summer 2017, and Paris, France June 2017.

Her work was commissioned to calligraph the signboard at Musahino Imperial Mausoleum (mausoleum complex of Japanese Emperors).

Most recently works of her art appeared in the philosopher and poet’s book Dr. Paul Briot’s newest 2017 edition of Le Rayonnant…un art vers l’Infini…   Her recent book Cosmic Calligraphy, the World of Saiso Shimada  (also 2017) is introduced with forward written by the curator of the State Hermitage Museum : Aleksey Bogolyubov, a specialist on Japanese art.

“This wonderous space created by her work brings forth pure emotion and will bring deep healing to people’s hearts and minds.”

— Aleksey Bogolyubov, Curator of the State Hermitage Museum

SAISO SHIMADA:  Combination of Breath, Joy, Energy & Spirit

Saiso Shimada: Combines Breath, Energy, Joy and Spirit

BREATH

Combines profound knowledge of calligraphy with Zen & over 15 years of Kikou (Qigong).  Each stroke is anchored in breath.

It took Nathalie Ishizuka three years to find Saiso Shimada, but it was well worth the wait.

While many artists meditate, Shimada had her own unique style and life exuded from her art with an energy that surprises and heals.

“She uses breath in a way I have never seen before,” says Ishizuka.  Each stroke is advanced yoga, each breath channels energy on to the paper for us to enjoy for many many years ahead.

ENERGY

Shimada paints together the present and the future: a flow of energy that is Japan’s spirit pointed upwards like a samurai sword.  It is vertical as is the human spirit inciting Japan to move in a new direction and to focus on what is important.  The incision is not horizontal, but vertical.

A new transformation through art.  Since shodo ink captures energy on paper and can keep it for many many years, sitting in front of one of these paintings is a sure way to enfuse oneself with new life.

After one meditation of Shimada not being her body nor her mind, Shimada’s calligraphy changed as did the energy in the characters.  Sitting in front of that painting Ishizuka can still feel its energy.   It sits at my desk to enfuse me with its strength.

JOY The practice of Shimada’s writing itself is a healing experience as is sitting in front of one of her paintings. Joy arises.
Spaciousness.
A place where time stops.
Behind each painting is a story, a place, an opening.

SPIRIT

How many artists when you ask them to draw an auto-portrait draw their spirit?

Larger Artworks by Saiso Shimada Provide Strong Energy to a Space

Saiso Shimada Teaches Shodo in Temples in Tokyo and has been asked by organizations to introduce Shodo and Design at high levels including the Top Design Team at Nike.

Her spirit and grace makes her presence invaluable and a beautiful gift to us all. “Her sheer presence,” is beautiful,” says, Ishizuka.

UNE HAUTE COLONNE

背の高い塔

If in Museum, Zen Temple or Public Space Please Put Earphones to Enjoy and Press Play.

The Tall Tower, Text by the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot

Dr. Paul Briot, a philosopher and poet, created artistic propositions on a new visionary art published in his 2004, 2017 and 2018 book — Le Rayonnant, un art vers l’infini (Editions Caracteres)  that has been interpreted by talented artists who meditate.

His 2018 book includes meditative music and paintings accessible through the mobile.  Music has been created for 6 passages and 6 paintings in that book by the Artist Saiso Shimada, the Shakuhatchi artist Masaki Nakamura, who created the music and paintings meditating with the meditator and artist Nathalie Ishizuka.

It took 3 full years of full time searching for Nathalie Ishizuka to discover Saiso Shimada and six years meditating with her and her raja yoga teacher weekly to create together original works. The rare artist that Dr. Paul Briot found could create a moment of silence in the viewer, is now exhibited with Ishizuka at the Japanese embassy in Brussels. Shimada had a solo show in 2017 at the Japanese Embassy and Ishizuka wanted to show the new works that resulted from their collaboration in 2024 that had been left in Tokyo. The wait has been worth it. Today at the Japanese Embassy in Brussels five of the originals published in Le Rayonnant are shared with the European public for the first time. Seven more paintings remain in Tokyo. Ishizuka now aspires with the help of museums or collectors to bring all the paintings back to Europe to be shared with other artists.

About Artist Saiso Shimada

Shimada, born in Yamagata Prefecture, studied under Kaian Tanaka.  Her works are on display in Beijing Palace Museum, British Library, Turk Japon Vakfi Kulutur Merkezi, Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellchaft, Ukraine National Gallery, and the Lianyungang Museum.  Numerous solo and group exhibitions including EU Embassy Tokyo several private gatherings July 2016, Galleries in Ginza Tokyo, Japan November 2017, the Japanese Embassy in Belgium summer 2017, and Paris, France June 2017.

Her work was commissioned to calligraph the signboard at Musahino Imperial Mausoleum (mausoleum complex of Japanese Emperors).

Most recently works of her art appeared in the philosopher and poet’s book Dr. Paul Briot’s newest 2017 edition of Le Rayonnant…un art vers l’Infini…   Her recent book Cosmic Calligraphy, the World of Saiso Shimada  (also 2017) is introduced with forward written by the curator of the State Hermitage Museum : Aleksey Bogolyubov, a specialist on Japanese art.

“This wonderous space created by her work brings forth pure emotion and will bring deep healing to people’s hearts and minds.”

— Aleksey Bogolyubov, Curator of the State Hermitage Museum

SAISO SHIMADA:  Combination of Breath, Joy, Energy & Spirit

Saiso Shimada: Combines Breath, Energy, Joy and Spirit

BREATH

Combines profound knowledge of calligraphy with Zen & over 15 years of Kikou (Qigong).  Each stroke is anchored in breath.

It took Nathalie Ishizuka three years to find Saiso Shimada, but it was well worth the wait.

While many artists meditate, Shimada had her own unique style and life exuded from her art with an energy that surprises and heals.

“She uses breath in a way I have never seen before,” says Ishizuka.  Each stroke is advanced yoga, each breath channels energy on to the paper for us to enjoy for many many years ahead.

ENERGY

Shimada paints together the present and the future: a flow of energy that is Japan’s spirit pointed upwards like a samurai sword.  It is vertical as is the human spirit inciting Japan to move in a new direction and to focus on what is important.  The incision is not horizontal, but vertical.

A new transformation through art.  Since shodo ink captures energy on paper and can keep it for many many years, sitting in front of one of these paintings is a sure way to enfuse oneself with new life.

After one meditation of Shimada not being her body nor her mind, Shimada’s calligraphy changed as did the energy in the characters.  Sitting in front of that painting Ishizuka can still feel its energy.   It sits at my desk to enfuse me with its strength.

JOY The practice of Shimada’s writing itself is a healing experience as is sitting in front of one of her paintings. Joy arises.
Spaciousness.
A place where time stops.
Behind each painting is a story, a place, an opening.

SPIRIT

How many artists when you ask them to draw an auto-portrait draw their spirit?

Larger Artworks by Saiso Shimada Provide Strong Energy to a Space

Saiso Shimada Teaches Shodo in Temples in Tokyo and has been asked by organizations to introduce Shodo and Design at high levels including the Top Design Team at Nike.

Her spirit and grace makes her presence invaluable and a beautiful gift to us all. “Her sheer presence,” is beautiful,” says, Ishizuka.

Contact: nathalie.ishizuka@gmail.com

Artist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieishizuka.art

Artist Website : https://www.nathalieishizuka.art

KIZUNA : THE ENDURING BONDS

Exhibition Kizuna : Embassy of Japan in Belgium March 5th – March 22nd 2024, Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels (10:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00), Week Days Only, Embassy Hours.

The Japanese embassy of Brussels is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Kizuna: the Bonds that Unite us All, featuring the artist Nathalie Ishizuka and her most recent work on the Four Elements (earth, water, air and fire) and the Crane Wife Re-Told. Over thirty paintings exhibited.

The exhibition Kizuna is born from Ishizuka working full time for over ten years with the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot and artists after the March 11, 2011 crisis (nuclear, earthquake, tsunami) on the use of art to elevate in crisis.

Ishizuka was sent to Japan after March 11 disaster by Dr. Briot to find, select, and work with great Japanese traditional artists and masters from several disciplines who could through their art create a moment of silence within the viewer. “I thought I was coming to contribute something to the artists,” says Ishizuka, “but it was them who were training me.

While Ishizuka comes herself from a family of artists including her grandfather who painted the designs of ships and kimonos, she had no formal training in art. She was a meditator with no experience in the arts.

Ishizuka had to find and become the disciple of each Japanese master, before hoping to meditate with one or create with another. She did not learn techniques of sumie, ninon buyo (dance), shodo, japanese architecture or other (which would have taken several lifetimes says Ishizuka), but the way of being of each artist.

Nathalie’s meditations and deep friendships with Japanese masters for over ten years such as Saiso Shimada after March 11, 2011 lead to herself become an artist.

“I became an artist, by a fortunate accident,” says Ishizuka. “I loved painting and creation as a child, but never imagined to have the freedom to paint and create from one’s inner imagination. Nor the grace of such artists who carried art from within.”

Series of Japanese Cranes Shodo and Acrylic Inspired by Hokusai

Within the exhibition are twelve paintings of cranes painted on Japanese shodo paper on Canvas with gold leaf and acrylic. Each painting is named after a virtue that Ishizuka believes carried the Japanese throughout the crisis and that can be experienced by each of us: Unity, Intuitive Action, Roll with Waves, Let Go, Open Heart, Stand Tall, Truth Within, Imagination, Extend, One Pointed Focus: Life, Living Blue Threads and Face the Sun.

These twelve paintings recount the story she wrote and illustrated after the tsunami and nuclear incident to share the message behind a letter co- authored with Dr. Briot. At that time Ishizuka states, “Dr. Briot entrusted me totranslate the letter to Japanese friends which asks artists to elevate us, but it was so deep, no one wanted to translate into Japanese. No one.”

“I left no stone untouched,” says Ishizuka. “I even asked Haruki Murakami, through his editor if he could help us. He liked the letter to Japanese friends but does not translate. Finally, when faced with resistance,” says, Ishizuka, “you have to be open to another path.”

“I decided to take a fable that the Japanese knew and loved, The Crane Wife (tsuru no ongaeshi) and change the fable to illustrate the main point of the letter, that each of us are threads, and that together with our inner imagination and manifestation we can create bonds that can change the earth.”

The crane in the story is the white bobbin in Dr. Paul Briot’s poem, “The White Spindle” . The poem reads,

A white bobin quivers. It links earth and sky.

A thread unites man with God.
We are that thread.

– Paul Briot, published in The Radiant..An Art towards the Infinite?” 2018 version, Publisher Caracteres

The drawings are inspired by Hokusai. Ishizuka drew them in his simple style of using one fine black line and a simple red dot. “There is something in his minimalist cranes,” says Ishizuka “that radiates great strength and beauty.”

“These twelve cranes that tell the tale of the Crane Wife in the exhibition are surrounded by paintings of the four elements. At the time of the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear incident, I had believed that man alone with God or the universe could overcome together. That we could re-invent ourselves,” says Ishizuka. “At the time, I was not yet aware in my meditations of the elements of earth, water, air and fire,” says Ishizuka. “These four elements are within each of us and embody the whole universe. Alone without them, we are nothing.”

New Series of Japanese Cranes with Shodo and Acrylic

Recently Ishizuka painted ten more paintings of cranes to illustrate the time element and the importance of being in the present. Whispers of Gratitude, Crane’s Legacy, Featured Symphony, Harmony Petals, Wings of Transformation, Electric Threads, Crane’s Embrace, Threads of Grace, The Crane Dance, and Threads of Time were painted in layers. “Not knowing what is going to happen and yet at each moment being entirely open and accepting is challenging,” says Ishizuka.

“By painting in layers, I had no idea of the final outcome nor colours. It is a process of abandoning what we think we know and looking at what “is” with joy and a new freedom in each moment.”

If it is one thing that Ishizuka wants people to remember from the exhibition it is that they are of an incredible beauty and importance and that no crisis however large can shake this inner truth. “Each one of us is a thread, and creates a universe of his own ; each a creator. If we create from within we can manifest individually and collectively something entirely new,” says Ishizuka.

Ishizuka invites us to come see the exhibit, to absorb the four elements within, to read the story of the Crane Wife Re-told at the Embassy, to adopt a virtue of the crane paintings in their heart that will accompany them through crisis, to listen to a video of the talented artists (Ayumi Nabata, Pianist and Composer ; Yuina Takamizo ; saxophonist, Miko Shimura, dancer and choreographer; Hakan Hakan Akbulut, live electronics who brought the exhibit alive on March 7th in an evening of interaction with the audience.

Contact: nathalie.ishizuka@gmail.com

Artist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieishizuka.art

Artist Website : https://www.nathalieishizuka.art

KIZUNA : THE ENDURING BONDS

Exhibition Kizuna : Embassy of Japan in Belgium March 5th – March 22nd 2024, Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels (10:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00), Week Days Only, Embassy Hours.

The Japanese embassy of Brussels is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Kizuna: the Bonds that Unite us All, featuring the artist Nathalie Ishizuka and her most recent work on the Four Elements (earth, water, air and fire) and the Crane Wife Re-Told. Over thirty paintings exhibited.

The exhibition Kizuna is born from Ishizuka working full time for over ten years with the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot and artists after the March 11, 2011 crisis (nuclear, earthquake, tsunami) on the use of art to elevate in crisis.

Ishizuka was sent to Japan after March 11 disaster by Dr. Briot to find, select, and work with great Japanese traditional artists and masters from several disciplines who could through their art create a moment of silence within the viewer. “I thought I was coming to contribute something to the artists,” says Ishizuka, “but it was them who were training me.

While Ishizuka comes herself from a family of artists including her grandfather who painted the designs of ships and kimonos, she had no formal training in art. She was a meditator with no experience in the arts.

Ishizuka had to find and become the disciple of each Japanese master, before hoping to meditate with one or create with another. She did not learn techniques of sumie, ninon buyo (dance), shodo, japanese architecture or other (which would have taken several lifetimes says Ishizuka), but the way of being of each artist.

Nathalie’s meditations and deep friendships with Japanese masters for over ten years such as Saiso Shimada after March 11, 2011 lead to herself become an artist.

“I became an artist, by a fortunate accident,” says Ishizuka. “I loved painting and creation as a child, but never imagined to have the freedom to paint and create from one’s inner imagination. Nor the grace of such artists who carried art from within.”

Series of Japanese Cranes Shodo and Acrylic Inspired by Hokusai

Within the exhibition are twelve paintings of cranes painted on Japanese shodo paper on Canvas with gold leaf and acrylic. Each painting is named after a virtue that Ishizuka believes carried the Japanese throughout the crisis and that can be experienced by each of us: Unity, Intuitive Action, Roll with Waves, Let Go, Open Heart, Stand Tall, Truth Within, Imagination, Extend, One Pointed Focus: Life, Living Blue Threads and Face the Sun.

These twelve paintings recount the story she wrote and illustrated after the tsunami and nuclear incident to share the message behind a letter co- authored with Dr. Briot. At that time Ishizuka states, “Dr. Briot entrusted me totranslate the letter to Japanese friends which asks artists to elevate us, but it was so deep, no one wanted to translate into Japanese. No one.”

“I left no stone untouched,” says Ishizuka. “I even asked Haruki Murakami, through his editor if he could help us. He liked the letter to Japanese friends but does not translate. Finally, when faced with resistance,” says, Ishizuka, “you have to be open to another path.”

“I decided to take a fable that the Japanese knew and loved, The Crane Wife (tsuru no ongaeshi) and change the fable to illustrate the main point of the letter, that each of us are threads, and that together with our inner imagination and manifestation we can create bonds that can change the earth.”

The crane in the story is the white bobbin in Dr. Paul Briot’s poem, “The White Spindle” . The poem reads,

A white bobin quivers. It links earth and sky.

A thread unites man with God.
We are that thread.

– Paul Briot, published in The Radiant..An Art towards the Infinite?” 2018 version, Publisher Caracteres

The drawings are inspired by Hokusai. Ishizuka drew them in his simple style of using one fine black line and a simple red dot. “There is something in his minimalist cranes,” says Ishizuka “that radiates great strength and beauty.”

“These twelve cranes that tell the tale of the Crane Wife in the exhibition are surrounded by paintings of the four elements. At the time of the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear incident, I had believed that man alone with God or the universe could overcome together. That we could re-invent ourselves,” says Ishizuka. “At the time, I was not yet aware in my meditations of the elements of earth, water, air and fire,” says Ishizuka. “These four elements are within each of us and embody the whole universe. Alone without them, we are nothing.”

New Series of Japanese Cranes with Shodo and Acrylic

Recently Ishizuka painted ten more paintings of cranes to illustrate the time element and the importance of being in the present. Whispers of Gratitude, Crane’s Legacy, Featured Symphony, Harmony Petals, Wings of Transformation, Electric Threads, Crane’s Embrace, Threads of Grace, The Crane Dance, and Threads of Time were painted in layers. “Not knowing what is going to happen and yet at each moment being entirely open and accepting is challenging,” says Ishizuka.

“By painting in layers, I had no idea of the final outcome nor colours. It is a process of abandoning what we think we know and looking at what “is” with joy and a new freedom in each moment.”

If it is one thing that Ishizuka wants people to remember from the exhibition it is that they are of an incredible beauty and importance and that no crisis however large can shake this inner truth. “Each one of us is a thread, and creates a universe of his own ; each a creator. If we create from within we can manifest individually and collectively something entirely new,” says Ishizuka.

Ishizuka invites us to come see the exhibit, to absorb the four elements within, to read the story of the Crane Wife Re-told at the Embassy, to adopt a virtue of the crane paintings in their heart that will accompany them through crisis, to listen to a video of the talented artists (Ayumi Nabata, Pianist and Composer ; Yuina Takamizo ; saxophonist, Miko Shimura, dancer and choreographer; Hakan Hakan Akbulut, live electronics who brought the exhibit alive on March 7th in an evening of interaction with the audience, and above all to e

Contact: nathalie.ishizuka@gmail.com

Artist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieishizuka.art

Artist Website : https://www.nathalieishizuka.art

KIZUNA : THE ENDURING BONDS

Exhibition Kizuna : Embassy of Japan in Belgium March 5th – March 22nd 2024, Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels (10:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00), Week Days Only, Embassy Hours.

The Japanese embassy of Brussels is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Kizuna: the Bonds that Unite us All, featuring the artist Nathalie Ishizuka and her most recent work on the Four Elements (earth, water, air and fire) and the Crane Wife Re-Told. Over thirty paintings exhibited.

The exhibition Kizuna is born from Ishizuka working full time for over ten years with the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot and artists after the March 11, 2011 crisis (nuclear, earthquake, tsunami) on the use of art to elevate in crisis.

Ishizuka was sent to Japan after March 11 disaster by Dr. Briot to find, select, and work with great Japanese traditional artists and masters from several disciplines who could through their art create a moment of silence within the viewer. “I thought I was coming to contribute something to the artists,” says Ishizuka, “but it was them who were training me.

While Ishizuka comes herself from a family of artists including her grandfather who painted the designs of ships and kimonos, she had no formal training in art. She was a meditator with no experience in the arts.

Ishizuka had to find and become the disciple of each Japanese master, before hoping to meditate with one or create with another. She did not learn techniques of sumie, ninon buyo (dance), shodo, japanese architecture or other (which would have taken several lifetimes says Ishizuka), but the way of being of each artist.

Nathalie’s meditations and deep friendships with Japanese masters for over ten years such as Saiso Shimada after March 11, 2011 lead to herself become an artist.

“I became an artist, by a fortunate accident,” says Ishizuka. “I loved painting and creation as a child, but never imagined to have the freedom to paint and create from one’s inner imagination. Nor the grace of such artists who carried art from within.”

Series of Japanese Cranes Shodo and Acrylic Inspired by Hokusai

Within the exhibition are twelve paintings of cranes painted on Japanese shodo paper on Canvas with gold leaf and acrylic. Each painting is named after a virtue that Ishizuka believes carried the Japanese throughout the crisis and that can be experienced by each of us: Unity, Intuitive Action, Roll with Waves, Let Go, Open Heart, Stand Tall, Truth Within, Imagination, Extend, One Pointed Focus: Life, Living Blue Threads and Face the Sun.

These twelve paintings recount the story she wrote and illustrated after the tsunami and nuclear incident to share the message behind a letter co- authored with Dr. Briot. At that time Ishizuka states, “Dr. Briot entrusted me totranslate the letter to Japanese friends which asks artists to elevate us, but it was so deep, no one wanted to translate into Japanese. No one.”

“I left no stone untouched,” says Ishizuka. “I even asked Haruki Murakami, through his editor if he could help us. He liked the letter to Japanese friends but does not translate. Finally, when faced with resistance,” says, Ishizuka, “you have to be open to another path.”

“I decided to take a fable that the Japanese knew and loved, The Crane Wife (tsuru no ongaeshi) and change the fable to illustrate the main point of the letter, that each of us are threads, and that together with our inner imagination and manifestation we can create bonds that can change the earth.”

The crane in the story is the white bobbin in Dr. Paul Briot’s poem, “The White Spindle” . The poem reads,

A white bobin quivers. It links earth and sky.

A thread unites man with God.
We are that thread.

– Paul Briot, published in The Radiant..An Art towards the Infinite?” 2018 version, Publisher Caracteres

The drawings are inspired by Hokusai. Ishizuka drew them in his simple style of using one fine black line and a simple red dot. “There is something in his minimalist cranes,” says Ishizuka “that radiates great strength and beauty.”

“These twelve cranes that tell the tale of the Crane Wife in the exhibition are surrounded by paintings of the four elements. At the time of the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear incident, I had believed that man alone with God or the universe could overcome together. That we could re-invent ourselves,” says Ishizuka. “At the time, I was not yet aware in my meditations of the elements of earth, water, air and fire,” says Ishizuka. “These four elements are within each of us and embody the whole universe. Alone without them, we are nothing.”

New Series of Japanese Cranes with Shodo and Acrylic

Recently Ishizuka painted ten more paintings of cranes to illustrate the time element and the importance of being in the present. Whispers of Gratitude, Crane’s Legacy, Featured Symphony, Harmony Petals, Wings of Transformation, Electric Threads, Crane’s Embrace, Threads of Grace, The Crane Dance, and Threads of Time were painted in layers. “Not knowing what is going to happen and yet at each moment being entirely open and accepting is challenging,” says Ishizuka.

“By painting in layers, I had no idea of the final outcome nor colours. It is a process of abandoning what we think we know and looking at what “is” with joy and a new freedom in each moment.”

If it is one thing that Ishizuka wants people to remember from the exhibition it is that they are of an incredible beauty and importance and that no crisis however large can shake this inner truth. “Each one of us is a thread, and creates a universe of his own ; each a creator. If we create from within we can manifest individually and collectively something entirely new,” says Ishizuka.

Ishizuka invites us to come see the exhibit, to absorb the four elements within, to read the story of the Crane Wife Re-told at the Embassy, to adopt a virtue of the crane paintings in their heart that will accompany them through crisis, to listen to a video of the talented artists (Ayumi Nabata, Pianist and Composer ; Yuina Takamizo ; saxophonist, Miko Shimura, dancer and choreographer; Hakan Hakan Akbulut, live electronics who brought the exhibit alive on March 7th in an evening of interaction with the audience, and above all to e

Contact: nathalie.ishizuka@gmail.com

Artist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieishizuka.art

Artist Website : https://www.nathalieishizuka.art

KIZUNA : THE ENDURING BONDS

Exhibition Kizuna : Embassy of Japan in Belgium March 5th – March 22nd 2024, Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels (10:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00), Week Days Only, Embassy Hours.

The Japanese embassy of Brussels is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Kizuna: the Bonds that Unite us All, featuring the artist Nathalie Ishizuka and her most recent work on the Four Elements (earth, water, air and fire) and the Crane Wife Re-Told. Over thirty paintings exhibited.

The exhibition Kizuna is born from Ishizuka working full time for over ten years with the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot and artists after the March 11, 2011 crisis (nuclear, earthquake, tsunami) on the use of art to elevate in crisis.

Ishizuka was sent to Japan after March 11 disaster by Dr. Briot to find, select, and work with great Japanese traditional artists and masters from several disciplines who could through their art create a moment of silence within the viewer. “I thought I was coming to contribute something to the artists,” says Ishizuka, “but it was them who were training me.

While Ishizuka comes herself from a family of artists including her grandfather who painted the designs of ships and kimonos, she had no formal training in art. She was a meditator with no experience in the arts.

Ishizuka had to find and become the disciple of each Japanese master, before hoping to meditate with one or create with another. She did not learn techniques of sumie, ninon buyo (dance), shodo, japanese architecture or other (which would have taken several lifetimes says Ishizuka), but the way of being of each artist.

Nathalie’s meditations and deep friendships with Japanese masters for over ten years such as Saiso Shimada after March 11, 2011 lead to herself become an artist.

“I became an artist, by a fortunate accident,” says Ishizuka. “I loved painting and creation as a child, but never imagined to have the freedom to paint and create from one’s inner imagination. Nor the grace of such artists who carried art from within.”

Series of Japanese Cranes Shodo and Acrylic Inspired by Hokusai

Within the exhibition are twelve paintings of cranes painted on Japanese shodo paper on Canvas with gold leaf and acrylic. Each painting is named after a virtue that Ishizuka believes carried the Japanese throughout the crisis and that can be experienced by each of us: Unity, Intuitive Action, Roll with Waves, Let Go, Open Heart, Stand Tall, Truth Within, Imagination, Extend, One Pointed Focus: Life, Living Blue Threads and Face the Sun.

These twelve paintings recount the story she wrote and illustrated after the tsunami and nuclear incident to share the message behind a letter co- authored with Dr. Briot. At that time Ishizuka states, “Dr. Briot entrusted me totranslate the letter to Japanese friends which asks artists to elevate us, but it was so deep, no one wanted to translate into Japanese. No one.”

“I left no stone untouched,” says Ishizuka. “I even asked Haruki Murakami, through his editor if he could help us. He liked the letter to Japanese friends but does not translate. Finally, when faced with resistance,” says, Ishizuka, “you have to be open to another path.”

“I decided to take a fable that the Japanese knew and loved, The Crane Wife (tsuru no ongaeshi) and change the fable to illustrate the main point of the letter, that each of us are threads, and that together with our inner imagination and manifestation we can create bonds that can change the earth.”

The crane in the story is the white bobbin in Dr. Paul Briot’s poem, “The White Spindle” . The poem reads,

A white bobin quivers. It links earth and sky.

A thread unites man with God.
We are that thread.

– Paul Briot, published in The Radiant..An Art towards the Infinite?” 2018 version, Publisher Caracteres

The drawings are inspired by Hokusai. Ishizuka drew them in his simple style of using one fine black line and a simple red dot. “There is something in his minimalist cranes,” says Ishizuka “that radiates great strength and beauty.”

“These twelve cranes that tell the tale of the Crane Wife in the exhibition are surrounded by paintings of the four elements. At the time of the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear incident, I had believed that man alone with God or the universe could overcome together. That we could re-invent ourselves,” says Ishizuka. “At the time, I was not yet aware in my meditations of the elements of earth, water, air and fire,” says Ishizuka. “These four elements are within each of us and embody the whole universe. Alone without them, we are nothing.”

New Series of Japanese Cranes with Shodo and Acrylic

Recently Ishizuka painted ten more paintings of cranes to illustrate the time element and the importance of being in the present. Whispers of Gratitude, Crane’s Legacy, Featured Symphony, Harmony Petals, Wings of Transformation, Electric Threads, Crane’s Embrace, Threads of Grace, The Crane Dance, and Threads of Time were painted in layers. “Not knowing what is going to happen and yet at each moment being entirely open and accepting is challenging,” says Ishizuka.

“By painting in layers, I had no idea of the final outcome nor colours. It is a process of abandoning what we think we know and looking at what “is” with joy and a new freedom in each moment.”

If it is one thing that Ishizuka wants people to remember from the exhibition it is that they are of an incredible beauty and importance and that no crisis however large can shake this inner truth. “Each one of us is a thread, and creates a universe of his own ; each a creator. If we create from within we can manifest individually and collectively something entirely new,” says Ishizuka.

Ishizuka invites us to come see the exhibit, to absorb the four elements within, to read the story of the Crane Wife Re-told at the Embassy, to adopt a virtue of the crane paintings in their heart that will accompany them through crisis, to listen to a video of the talented artists (Ayumi Nabata, Pianist and Composer ; Yuina Takamizo ; saxophonist, Miko Shimura, dancer and choreographer; Hakan Hakan Akbulut, live electronics who brought the exhibit alive on March 7th in an evening of interaction with the audience, and above all to e

Contact: nathalie.ishizuka@gmail.com

Artist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieishizuka.art

Artist Website : https://www.nathalieishizuka.art

KIZUNA : THE ENDURING BONDS

Exhibition Kizuna : Embassy of Japan in Belgium March 5th – March 22nd 2024, Rue Van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels (10:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00), Week Days Only, Embassy Hours.

The Japanese embassy of Brussels is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Kizuna: the Bonds that Unite us All, featuring the artist Nathalie Ishizuka and her most recent work on the Four Elements (earth, water, air and fire) and the Crane Wife Re-Told. Over thirty paintings exhibited.

The exhibition Kizuna is born from Ishizuka working full time for over ten years with the Philosopher Dr. Paul Briot and artists after the March 11, 2011 crisis (nuclear, earthquake, tsunami) on the use of art to elevate in crisis.

Ishizuka was sent to Japan after March 11 disaster by Dr. Briot to find, select, and work with great Japanese traditional artists and masters from several disciplines who could through their art create a moment of silence within the viewer. “I thought I was coming to contribute something to the artists,” says Ishizuka, “but it was them who were training me.

While Ishizuka comes herself from a family of artists including her grandfather who painted the designs of ships and kimonos, she had no formal training in art. She was a meditator with no experience in the arts.

Ishizuka had to find and become the disciple of each Japanese master, before hoping to meditate with one or create with another. She did not learn techniques of sumie, ninon buyo (dance), shodo, japanese architecture or other (which would have taken several lifetimes says Ishizuka), but the way of being of each artist.

Nathalie’s meditations and deep friendships with Japanese masters for over ten years such as Saiso Shimada after March 11, 2011 lead to herself become an artist.

“I became an artist, by a fortunate accident,” says Ishizuka. “I loved painting and creation as a child, but never imagined to have the freedom to paint and create from one’s inner imagination. Nor the grace of such artists who carried art from within.”

Series of Japanese Cranes Shodo and Acrylic Inspired by Hokusai

Within the exhibition are twelve paintings of cranes painted on Japanese shodo paper on Canvas with gold leaf and acrylic. Each painting is named after a virtue that Ishizuka believes carried the Japanese throughout the crisis and that can be experienced by each of us: Unity, Intuitive Action, Roll with Waves, Let Go, Open Heart, Stand Tall, Truth Within, Imagination, Extend, One Pointed Focus: Life, Living Blue Threads and Face the Sun.

These twelve paintings recount the story she wrote and illustrated after the tsunami and nuclear incident to share the message behind a letter co- authored with Dr. Briot. At that time Ishizuka states, “Dr. Briot entrusted me totranslate the letter to Japanese friends which asks artists to elevate us, but it was so deep, no one wanted to translate into Japanese. No one.”

“I left no stone untouched,” says Ishizuka. “I even asked Haruki Murakami, through his editor if he could help us. He liked the letter to Japanese friends but does not translate. Finally, when faced with resistance,” says, Ishizuka, “you have to be open to another path.”

“I decided to take a fable that the Japanese knew and loved, The Crane Wife (tsuru no ongaeshi) and change the fable to illustrate the main point of the letter, that each of us are threads, and that together with our inner imagination and manifestation we can create bonds that can change the earth.”

The crane in the story is the white bobbin in Dr. Paul Briot’s poem, “The White Spindle” . The poem reads,

A white bobin quivers. It links earth and sky.

A thread unites man with God.
We are that thread.

– Paul Briot, published in The Radiant..An Art towards the Infinite?” 2018 version, Publisher Caracteres

The drawings are inspired by Hokusai. Ishizuka drew them in his simple style of using one fine black line and a simple red dot. “There is something in his minimalist cranes,” says Ishizuka “that radiates great strength and beauty.”

“These twelve cranes that tell the tale of the Crane Wife in the exhibition are surrounded by paintings of the four elements. At the time of the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear incident, I had believed that man alone with God or the universe could overcome together. That we could re-invent ourselves,” says Ishizuka. “At the time, I was not yet aware in my meditations of the elements of earth, water, air and fire,” says Ishizuka. “These four elements are within each of us and embody the whole universe. Alone without them, we are nothing.”

New Series of Japanese Cranes with Shodo and Acrylic

Recently Ishizuka painted ten more paintings of cranes to illustrate the time element and the importance of being in the present. Whispers of Gratitude, Crane’s Legacy, Featured Symphony, Harmony Petals, Wings of Transformation, Electric Threads, Crane’s Embrace, Threads of Grace, The Crane Dance, and Threads of Time were painted in layers. “Not knowing what is going to happen and yet at each moment being entirely open and accepting is challenging,” says Ishizuka.

“By painting in layers, I had no idea of the final outcome nor colours. It is a process of abandoning what we think we know and looking at what “is” with joy and a new freedom in each moment.”

If it is one thing that Ishizuka wants people to remember from the exhibition it is that they are of an incredible beauty and importance and that no crisis however large can shake this inner truth. “Each one of us is a thread, and creates a universe of his own ; each a creator. If we create from within we can manifest individually and collectively something entirely new,” says Ishizuka.

Ishizuka invites us to come see the exhibit, to absorb the four elements within, to read the story of the Crane Wife Re-told at the Embassy, to adopt a virtue of the crane paintings in their heart that will accompany them through crisis, to listen to a video of the talented artists (Ayumi Nabata, Pianist and Composer ; Yuina Takamizo ; saxophonist, Miko Shimura, dancer and choreographer; Hakan Hakan Akbulut, live electronics who brought the exhibit alive on March 7th in an evening of interaction with the audience, and above all to e