I lived in Japan during the late 1970’s with our family. I indulged my limited time by going to art exhibitions and was excited by the transition a new generation had made from traditional woodblock prints (a hallmark of Japanese art) to new works in every printmaking technique. One of the most comprehensive exhibitions was created each year by the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ). Numerous contemporary printmakers vied for a place in the CWAJ show, started in 1955 and still a major event today.
The showcased artists were mostly Japanese with a span of several generations and with an unlimited variety of techniques and styles. Traditional Japanese images were not left behind, but the dynamic abstract works and daring printmaking styles declared these modern works worthy of any international venue and collection.
I had opportunities to meet many of the artists over the following years. After returning to California I began as a private dealer in Japanese contemporary prints, continuing to revisit Japan and its many, many galleries. Desiring to introduce these modern works to a wider audience, I opened Satori Gallery in San Francisco in 1982. It was always a pleasure to see how visitors engaged with the same qualities that continue to impress me. Although this did not replace their notions of ‘oriental art’ it opened their eyes and minds to new concepts, vitality and superb printmaking skills.
In 1985 we moved to Hong Kong for three years where I had opportunities to meet many artists and view their exciting contemporary brush paintings, prints and sculpture.
We returned to San Francisco in 1988. I relocated the gallery to the Union Square area, but eventually closed due to family responsibilities. I considered myself ‘retired’ until we moved to Sausalito and I connected with a new opportunity to celebrate these artists with a small ‘studio-like’ environment near the Sausalito art scene.
From 1982 to the present I have hosted numerous solo and group exhibitions in a variety of media by artists from Hong Kong, Japan, China, India and Korea.
Many of these artists I once exhibited and collected have now reached major status and their works are found in galleries, museums, corporate collections and prestigious private collections world-wide.