Consulate General of Japan Art Campaign Submissions
2020/9/1
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle has carried out the following public art project to support art and expression during these turbulent times. Below, please find the amazing pieces submitted by the public who reside in our jurisdiction, following the theme: “US-Japan relations through the theme(s) of friendship, and/or hope.”
We would like to thank everyone for their participation. We received a wide variety of works ranging from paintings, manga, desserts, dance and music videos, all of which contribute in building the friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and is uplifting the community during these uncertain times.
From all the wonderful pieces we received, we held a public vote from Wednesday, August 19 to Monday, August 31 to select the top 5 works. Please explore the talent of all the participants and see the ribbon next to the works that were selected as the fan favorite! Thank you for your participation!
この度、シアトル総領事館では、新型コロナウイルス感染拡大に伴う自宅待機が長期化している中で、地域の人々に元気を与えるとともに、地元アーティスト・文化団体の活動を応援するための取り組みとして、地元アーティストや当地在住の方々・文化団体等から幅広くオリジナル作品を募集し、当館のホームページ及びフェイスブックにおいて作品を公開する「シアトル総アート作品キャンペーン」を実施いたしました。
多数の作品をお送りいただきまして、ありがとうございました。絵画や漫画、お菓子作り、ダンス動画、音楽作品等、様々なジャンルの作品が集まり、いずれも、日米、日ワシントン州の友好の促進や、コロナ禍でのコミュニティーの人々を元気づける素晴らしい作品です。
応募いただいた多数の作品の中から、コミュニティーの皆さんによるオンライン投票により、優秀作品を決定いたしました。下記の応募作品の数々とリボンが付いた五つの優秀作品をお楽しみ下さい。参加者の皆様ありがとうございました！
Submissions/応募作品
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⇦"コロナ禍だからこそ共感してもらえる作品を" (Works that people can relate to during COVID-19) by Arisa Nakamura コロナ禍中、日米含め、世界中で皆さんの生活が大きく変わったことと思います。「コロナ禍だからこそ共感してもらえる作品を」と願い、制作した作品の一部を集めました。少しでも「ふっ」と笑って頂ければと思います。
(Website) https://cosmos7arisa.wixsite.com/cosmos-711 (I believe that life has changed dramatically in the U.S., Japan, and the world due to COVID-19. I have compiled "Works that people can relate to during COVID-19." I hope that this will bring some laughter to you) 静岡生まれ、2013年よりシアトル在住のデザイナー。北米報知にて漫画「Shin Issei Journey 新一世日誌」を連載中。 (Born in Shizuoka, Japan, Arisa Nakamura has become a Seattle based designer since 2013. She is a manga writer for Hokubeihochi, currently working on the "Shin Issei Journey 新一世日誌" series) (Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/arisan_artworks/ |
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 "Vogue" by Yuri Kinoshita 2016年の作品Vogueは”繋がりと流動と変化”を楮和紙と光で表現しています。
(The work, "Vogue" is from 2016, expressing the connection, flow, and change through washi and light.)
Born In Kyoto, Japan, Yuri graduated with honors from Osaka Fashion Institute, Department of Interior Design. After traveling throughout Europe and Asia, she settled in the U.S. to expand her artistic skills and passion for lighting design. Now based in Seattle, Yuri works with organic materials to create small and large scale sculptures of ‘Interwoven Lights’. Her site specific installations continue to explore the interrelations of play between light and shadow within her medium. (Website) http://www.yurikinoshita.com/ |
 "Matsuri through the Eyes of Bakers" by Tina Wong & daughter Ciara Wong, Hobby Bakers Matsuri delicately balances both themes of friendship and hope. One of our favorite Matsuri here is Bon Odori, which takes place throughout Western Washington during the summer. A festival honoring the spirits of one's ancestors, it is also a time of gathering of family and friends, as well as a time for cultural exchange. What we always loved is that regardless of who you are or where you are from, you are welcomed and encouraged to learn, dance, and celebrate together. These cookies are a humble nod to Bon Odori and summer festivals here and in Japan. |
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 "Mochi Mochi Donuts" by Emi Sanders A marriage between a very American donut and the mochi texture of the Japanese sticky rice, providing a little light of joy during this time.
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 "Welcome to Konnichiwa Seattle" by Konnichiwa Seattle Please sit back and enjoy your trip (click here for video). (Website) https://www.konnichiwaseattle.com/ |
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  "A 'medicine ball' for peace of mind (take two as prescribed)" by Denise Sawyer The photo is of two kusudama (kusu = medicine, dama = ball) origami. Each ball has 60 pieces of paper (total of 120) that are fit together in a specific way to create a sphere. No glue is necessary! Each ball takes approximately 3-5 hours to fold and form. These two are around 3.5 inches (9 cm) across. Though I’ve made many of these balls, I chose this photo in particular for the gentle, almost childlike flower motif on the paper and the simplicity of the design. It’s hopeful, yet calming. My name is Denise Sawyer and I’ve practiced kusudama origami for about 10 years. This form of origami has hundreds of variations created by artists around the world. Creating the balls is very meditative and soothing for me—once you learn the pattern, you simply recreate it again and again until you have the necessary number of units (usually 12, 30, 60 or 90 per ball). I often carry around a small box of origami paper, in case I have a spare moment to work while traveling, on break at work, or listening to audiobooks. My smallest kusudama is about 1 inch (~2.5 cm) and my largest was about 18 inches (~46 cm). |
 "Oil Plein Air Bellevue Botanical Garden Yao Gate" by Susan M. Payne Painted on location at Bellevue Botanical Garden showing the ʺYaoʺ Gate in which ʺA traditional Japanese gate leads into this contemplative garden. Developed to honor the sister city relationship between Bellevue and Yao, Japan, the garden is a blend of Pacific Rim influencesʺ(quoted from Bellevue Botanical Garden Website). I painted this Japanese garden gate ʺplein airʺ or on location/ outdoors, in Spring of 2019, in oils on 11' x 14ʺ panel. Susan M. Payne is a retired Architect and now mostly a painter who lives just outside Seattle, Washington. She paints and draws mostly Pacific Northwest landscapes and cityscapes, as well as animal/ nature subjects. She grew up near Seattle but also lived in New York City for 10 years, has travelled in Europe and South America and is very interested in international communication. Her work can be seen on Instagram @spayneartist |
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 "Untitled" by Eungeol Lee This art that I drew has a meaning of friendship between Japan and U.S.A .
The heart that the hands form is the sign of long friendship between the two countries. The buildings on either side are meant for the culture of each country. to be shared with each other.
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 "The Consul’s Neighbors Throw a Sumo Party" (India ink on paper, 8.5” x 11”) by Ivan Schneider An imaginative rendering of a sumo dohyō installed in front of the Consul’s Official Residence for enjoyment by the neighbors. An American flag koinobori is pictured alongside the Japanese flag. (The artist is depicted, second from left.). Themes: Cultural exchange, friendship, sumo Ivan Schneider is a writer and content strategist who aspires to be a multidisciplinary artist. (instagram) https://www.instagram.com/ivantohelpyou/ |
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 "Untitled (Nishiawaki Fire Hydrant)" by Rachel Mouer This is a fire hydrant I painted as part of a seperate public art initiative in the city of Renton. It recognizes the sister city relationship between Nishiwaki, Japan, and Renton, Washington, which spans 50 years -- not to mention the Pacific Ocean! I didn't even know we had a sister city in Japan until I started this project, so it was wonderful to learn that my hometown participates in a program that helps us build global relationships and feel closer to people we might tend to think of as far away. I'd love to visit Nishiwaki someday, and I hope the hydrant can welcome visitors to Renton once travel becomes safe again. It's located on Main Avenue South and Houser Way South, in front of the Sewing Machine Service Co., Inc. The two characters on the back of the hydrant are Nisshi and Sakura, the adorable Nishiwaki yuru-chara (city mascots). My name is Rachel M., and I will be going into the 12th grade this fall. I've lived in Washington my whole life and have always been fond of the Pacific Northwest rain. I've taken art lessons for quite a while as well as pursuing art as a hobby, and I'm so excited to be branching out more publicly with my art! I'm currently painting a third hydrant and considering opening a small shop online. |
 "Volcanos - Rainier from P3" by Suze Woolf It is Watercolor on paper, 7.5” high x 22” wide. P3 is a mountain along the ridge between Mailbox Peak and Mt. Defiance, just north of Interstate-90 on the way to Snoqualmie Pass. I have collected some images of my work that show things our area has in common with Japan: Culture - a painting of Seattle's Asian Art Museum Hokkaido - I have enjoyed three visits there. Like Washington, many snowy trees, mountains and even better skiing! Sister City - Kobe has presented us with many gifts, some of which are in Seattle's Kubota Gardens Park. Salt Water - Like Japan, we have many salt water inlets and waterways. Volcanoes - Like Japan many of our highest peaks are large volcanoes. I am a Seattle painter and book artist. (Website) http://www.suzewoolf-fineart.com/ |
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 “Yūjō no Culture” by Marie Marquez This piece was created with a program called Krita, on a XP-Pen Tablet. The Koi is a symbol for friendship in Japan, and crossed arrows is the symbol of friendship in many indigenous cultures. I felt it was a must to represent both the indigenous and Japanese cultures of the pacific northwest in my work. Both are cherished and celebrated by many in this area. Even with the state of the world currently, I still hold hope that the love that most beings have for one another will triumph. We can come to together, from wherever we’re from. My name is Marie. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. One of my fondest memories of living in this area is the rich diversity of cultures. I have always been very interested in animation, and found a passion inspired by Japanese animated movies from the 1980s. This early love of animation opened the doors to my interest in creating art myself. I’ve kept my hobby private, creating doodles and some pieces for friends and family. With a push from my husband and sister, I entered this contest. This is my very first digital piece. |
 「ワシントン州花西洋シャクナゲと兵庫県花のじぎく」 (Western Rhododendron from the State of Washington and Japanese Chrysanthemum from Hyogo Prefecture) by Junko Kobayashi, Hyogo Business & Cultural Center 今回、兵庫県ワシントン州事務所として提出させていただきますのは、ワシントン州花西洋シャクナゲと兵庫県花のじぎくを伝統的な手法で描いた
日本画です。長く続くワシントン州と本県の友好、日米の友好、また、現在の災禍が早く
落ち着き、それまで多くの方々が安全で過ごされる様、心を込めて描きました。
(This is a Japanese style painting, Nihonga, painting the Western Rhododendron from the State of Washington and Japanese Chrysanthemum from Hyogo Prefecture. It has been painted in hopes that these hard times will end and we will soon be able to safely come together, while also celebrating the friendship between the U.S. and Japan and the State of Washington and Hyogo Prefecture.) (Website) http://www.hyogobcc.org/ |
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 "Jellyfish in Treasure Island - Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)" Year Made 2015 Origin and 2017 RW Medium: Hand-crafted, Oilstained Wood Mosaic, Acrylic, Japanese Paper, 36" x 24" by Naoko Morisawa/ Morisawa Studio About the artwork: Everyone's understanding of artwork is always unique. Some say that the HANABI (fireworks) are beautiful, others say that is it the image of sunshine? In fact, I have created the image of the under deep sea in this work, where jellyfish shining like a star, and coral and seaweed slowly swaying each other, creating a completely peaceful image under deep ocean. And I made this wood mosaic artwork with the hope that such peace conditions under the deep sea (and our living world ) to be maintained for a long time period, forever. The importance of land/ territory of Treasure Island in Exclusive Economic Zone which has recently become the world issues around the world beyond the area. I want to present the importance of each country's following the international rule to keep our planet in peace condition.To maintain this globe peaceful place in the midst of complicated international issues, the USA and Japan will work/ cooperate together friendly. Exhibition history etc: Art Port Townsend 16th Annual Juried Art Show, Studio Visit Magazine Contemporary Art - Vol28 Boston, MA, City of Seattle Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery, Chase Gallery Exhibition, Spokane curated by MoMA San Francisco curator, Anacortas Art Fair 2017 etc. Thank you for your time to review my work and kind arrangement.
(Website) www.naokomorisawa.com |
 Dance (click here for video) by Risa Suzuki ダンスにアメリカと日本のマイムを独自に考えて取り入れ、左右に友好、そして希望が出る様な元気で健康的なイメージ、人種関係なく踊りを見て日米の方が思わず一緒に踊りだしたくなって頂ける様な振り付けにしました。(I incorporated my original Japanese and American mimes, friendship expressed on the left and right, imagining a energetic and healthy moves that give hope, choreographing a piece that both people in Japan and the U.S. can dance to, regardless of their race.) 私は元バレリーナ、その後に千葉県舞浜にある某テーマパークで10年エンターテイナー、そして元プロの競技ダンス選手、日本では自身が経営と指導するスタジオを開き、多数の生徒達を各テーマパークのエンターテイナーに輩出致しました。 以前の日本でのスタジオのホームページです。(I am a former ballerina and a competitive dance athlete. Later, I became an entertainer for 10 years at an amusement park in Chiba, Japan and opened a dance studio in Japan, where we produced many entertainers who were then selected to work at a variety of amusement parks. Below is a former website of the studio in Japan.)
現在は1児のママ、そして家族の協力の中で’ホームダンスレッスンRISA’’のダンス講師をしております。(Now, I am a mother of one child and am teaching dance with the support of my family under the name, "Home Dance Lesson RISA")
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 "Five Yen (Kabuto Helmet)" by Satsuki Holms (submitted by Kazuko Tomaszewski) Made by a friend of mine Satsuki Holms and given as a gift while I was with my husband working for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Japan in 2008. |
 "みゆかさん，ありがとう" (Thank you Miyuka-san) (click here for video) by Acacia "Anderson" Mcfarland これを作りながら泣きました。T^T 動画をお楽しみください。 みゆかちゃん、大好き！(๑╹ω╹๑ ) Song: Happiest Year by Jaymes Young (I was crying as I put this together. I hope you enjoy the video. I love you, Miyuka-chan!) Anderson was a 2019 Youth Ambassador, from Auburn, Washington and continues to be an active member of KAT (Kent-Auburn-Tamba, Sister Cities Association). |
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 「一会」"Ichie" (click here for video) by Koto no WA このオリジナル曲の題名は，一期一会という言葉からの引用です。 (This original song was written drawing inspiration from the word Ichigo Ichie) Ichigo Ichie - Treasure the moment because any moment in life can not be repeated. その瞬間，出会い，友好を大切に。 箏の演奏に興味のあるメンバーが、月一度のグループ練習や、各地での演奏にて活動しています。(現在コロナ禍につき、一時休止中) 今回は、友好をテーマに、これまでに参加したパフォーマンスの一部をアルバムとして、オリジナル曲のBGMとともに作成してみました。 初心者の方でも、箏に興味がある方は、いつでも歓迎しています！ Koto no WA is a group of musicians located in Greater Seattle, WA. We will continue to create a tapestry of harmony and friendship woven by the sounds of our koto. (Due to COVID-19 we are temporarily we are on break) (facebook) https://www.facebook.com/Koto-no-WA-112846610112889 |
 by Aisa Miyata 平和を表す鳥とアメリカと日本を結ぶ虹を表しています。みんなといつまでも仲良くいられるように、という思いで描きました。 (She expresses using the bird, symbolizing "peace" and the rainbow, symbolizing the "connection" between the U.S. and Japan. She drew this piece in hopes that the friendship amongst everyone shall continue forever.) Aisa is a 9 year old girl who loves drawing. |
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 "Together in Friendship" by Cassandra Marquez This free hand drawing is an American girl and Japanese girl putting hands together in friendship. My hope when people see this is that they feel happy and they can be who they are. Hi, I’m Cassandra Marquez. I’m 9 years old, and I live in Covington, Washington. I’m funny and artistic. I entered into this campaign because I wanted to share what I can do. |
 "One Team" by Brianna Raak 私は7年生（12歳）です。ultimate frisbeeやcross countryなどのスポーツと、アートが好きです。今回のイベントに参加した理由は、最近頑張っているデジタルアートを使って、自分の表現力を試してみたいと思ったからです。どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。 (I am in 7th grade (12 years old). I like art and sports such as ultimate frisbee and cross country. The reason I took part in this art campaign is to test my expressive skills using digital art. Hope you enjoy.) |
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 "Dear Year 2036" by Kayo S. Correa This piece represents dreams that hopefully will be achieved through the U.S.-Japan relations in order to make our world safer and a better place to live for every individual living creature. Hi, my name is Kayo S. Correa. I am 13 years old and was born in Bellevue, Washington. |
 '”Bookworm” welcomes returning library patrons after COVID is over' コロナ収束後、図書館に人々が戻って喜ぶ「本の虫」
by Hideko Takahashi
I hope this will be real and that people will be able to enjoy reading books soon!I am an illustrator, who lives in Seattle. I'm originally from Osaka. |
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 "Red String of Eternal Love" by Maria Gonzales-Bravo My art piece is a representation of an eternal connection between two people from Japan and America. The red and orange tulips that surround the girl on the right are representations of flowers that grow in Washington and eternal love. The person on the left is surrounded by multiple things that relate to the Japanese culture. The lotus flower is a representation of purity. The koi fish represents aspiration and perseverance, which I took as the two wanting to achieve an eternal friendship/relationship between one another while embracing each other's differences. I also include a kimono on the person on the left because culture is very important in Japan. Finally, the red string is a representation of the eternal connection between the two people. Maria Gonzales-Bravo is a 16 year old female who is a junior in high school. She comes from a family of four and has a beagle named Inu. She loves to create art pieces that represent things of importance to her. She loves to watch anime, listen to various music genres, and choreograph and learn dances. She enjoys finding new desserts to eat. Her favorite desserts are halo-halo and mochi ice cream. |
 "Untitled" by Ema Riegel Ema Riegel is a 12 year old and lives in Poulsbo, WA, who painted this and is a representation of the great Pacific Northwest. It has different state animals within. |
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 "華" (Flower) by Misako Plant 日本の伝統美術の美しさを出来るだけ、たくさんの方に知って頂きたく、和紙を使った人形を作っています。日本に行ったことのある方、二世の方、日本に何かゆかりのある方、全く日本に関心が無かった方、色々な方々の目に止まり、もっと日本を知っていただくきっかけになれれば、と言う思いを込めて作っています。(In order to introduce the beauty of Japanese traditional art, I am creating these Japanese dolls. I create my pieces in hopes that they will allow a multitude of people; people who have visited Japan, who are Nisei Japanese, who have connections to Japan, or who had no interest in Japan; to learn more about Japan.) 静岡県で生まれ、父の仕事で、その後すぐに東京、神奈川と引っ越し、10歳の頃より横浜で育ちました。短大を出てから、航空会社に就職、13年勤め、アメリカ人の今の主人と結婚。それまでは、すべての趣味嗜好が洋風のな方に向いていたのですが、この結婚を機に、外国の方々とのお付き合いが増えたこにより、逆に私の興味は日本の伝統文化、美術へと移っていきました。そんな時、和紙人形作家、赤塚艶子先生と奇跡的な出会いをし、技術をご伝授頂きました。その後、主人の仕事で、引越しの多い生活でしたが、ベネズエラにて、和紙人形の個展を開き、横浜では外国人の方々にたくさんのクラフトクラスを教え、今、シアトルで、アートショウに参加しながらネットショップも手掛けています。今では、和紙人形に限らず、和紙の美しさを生かした和紙ジュエリーや、紙ならではの温もりのあるペーパーフラワー、そして、伝統工芸の手毬、生花に負けない美しいレジンフラワーなど、作っています。多くの方との素敵なご縁と出会いがある事をいつも願っております。(I was born in Shizuoka, Japan, but due to my father's work, I moved to Tokyo and Kanagawa, where I lived since 10 years of age in Yokohama. After graduating with a associates degree, I worked for an airline company for 13 years before marrying my current husband (U.S. citizen). My interests were towards western culture, but after marrying my husbad and having the opportunity to meet people with a diverse background, my interests shifted to Japanese culture and arts. I then had a miraculous opportunity to meet a washi doll sculpture, Yoshiko Akatsuka Sensei, who taught me the skills. I moved a lot for my husband's job, but I held my first exhibition in Venezuela, while teaching classes in Yokohama. I currently participate in art shows throughout Seattle and run an online store. I've expanded my skills, creating washi jewelry, paper flowers, temari, resin flowers, and more. I am hoping for new meetings and connections with people through my works.) (Etsy) https://www.etsy.com/shop/JapaneseArtMiyabi (Facebook) Japanese.Art.Miyabi (Instagram) japanese.art.miyabi |
 "Willow" by Norimi Kusanagi 今春に作った作品の一つをご紹介させて頂きます。「藤の花」です。この作品は、FacebookやInstagram で期待以上に多くの方々から、ご好評を頂きました。押し花の魅力に捉われて7年になりますが、作品製作には、試行錯誤しながらも、いつも新しい発見があります。どこにも咲いている普通の花達が、私には、最高の花材であり、花のことを教えてくれる良き師であり先生です。(I would like to present to you a piece that I made this spring. It is a willow. This work was very popular on facebook and Instagram. Seven years have passed since I learned about the beauty of pressed flowers, but I discover new things each time as I struggle to create new pieces. Everyday flowers that blossom anywhere are the best material to me and are the teachers who teach me the beauty of the flowers.) 私は、現在、ベインブリッジ島に住んで15年経ちますが、そこで採取できる花を押し花にして四季折々の押し花アート作品を作っております。多くは、Facebook やInstagram などに載せさせて頂いております。地元の人々をはじめ、最近は、テクノロジーのお陰で、日本からの皆さんにも支持(follow)して頂けるようになりました。先月はSeattle Japanese GardenのOnlineニュースレターでも押し花作品をご紹介頂きました。 (I've been living in Bainbridge for more than 15 years where I pick and press flowers of all seasons to create my work. Many of the works I share on my facebook and instagram. Many local people have been very supportive of me and with the recent technological advancement, I now have gained followers from Japan as well. Last month, I had the honor to be featured on the Seattle Japanese Garden Newsletter.) (Website) https://www.norimispressedflowers.com/ (Facebook) facebook.com/norimi.kusanagi (Instagram) normikusanagi |
