Marlon and I really enjoyed Keiko's invitation to explore Utsunomiya, Japan. The first stop was Tochigiken Sougoubunnka Center. Keiko's friend told her about the display at the center of her friend Miyatake. I am very impressed with Miyatakes' work. Miyatake started off using wire then covering with clay. She told us that doing this style made her work very fragile so she went back to only using clay. I loved how all her the figurines were smiling. The faces tell a story as if they are talking to us without saying any words. While we were looking at Miyatake's amazing work, a TV station NHK was filming her work. NHK came up to me and I swallowed hard when they started asking me questions. I answered them the best I could, it made me a little nervous, but since I liked the work it was easy to talk about. That evening I was on TV news that started at 6;40pm. My interview was on TV around 7pm. Keiko had sent me an email telling me about seeing me on TV. I still can't believe that I was on TV........:-) Here are a few pictures of her work. Including this one which is my favorite.
After the TV interview, we were ready to leave. Since we could not take photos in the exhibition we bought a book of her clay figure photos. We also asked Miyatake if she would autograph our book. She not only gave us an autograph she let me take her picture with our group.
Now down to the 2nd floor to see an art exhibit on watercolor paintings of flowers in Tochigi Prefecture. One artist was on location and I got his photo by his paintings. I was hoping to see some paintings in the exhibit of Yoko.
Now Keiko is taking us to the Tochigi City Building where we will go to the top floor and take a view of Utsunomiya. It was a nice view of the city. I could see for miles and miles. Thanks Keiko for the great tour of Utsunomiya, Japan.
On the top floor, there was also a display of all the items that are made in Utsunomiya.
Its time to take a break so we went across the street and sat on some benches in the shade. So peaceful as there was also a big water fountain. There were some soda machines so we each bought something to drink and sat down and talked. Keiko had brought supplies to teach me how to make 9 monkeys on a boat. We drank our beverages and I learned how to make the craft. I am happy that Keiko also gave me extra special seeds that are used for monkey's head and all the supplies to finish making the monkeys and boat. Wow, what a great time Marlon and I have had today.
