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ON THE NARROW ROAD TO SAGAWA

ORIGINAL _  2023 _  Oil on Canvas _  30 in x 40 in  

(Custom frame)

Shortly before the June 2023 International Japan Art Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum,  I travelled to Lake Biwa, close to Kyoto.  There I visited the amazing botanical gardens and an Art Museum unlike any other.  The work - sculptures, paintings, ceramics, drawings - were exquisite,  but so too was the Museum itself in which they were displayed.  All of the elements worked together -  both natural and artificial lighting, the exhibition spaces, the sounds of nature,  the incorporation of water elements, building materials, design and colors and textures,  the manner in which the art on display was handled & arranged,  "allowed it to breathe," . . .  all worked together in an indescribable way.  And I imagined at that moment what my best work might look like in such a setting,  cared for and exhibited in such a thoughtful manner by the Japanese Museum staff.  Only the best work of the best artists might eventually find their way here. And would an American artist even be exhibited in this venue or was it solely for the work of Japanese artists? (I didn't know the answer to that question).  But one can dream,  right?  The road to Sagawa would not be easy, and there would be no guarantees no matter how beautiful the work, and I knew at that moment I'd have to work extremely hard to get there -- it would be a long (“and narrow”) road to Sagawa!!  I started to dream . . .    

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ABOUT THE TITLE: 

My classmate is from the States, and he married a beautiful Japanese woman and lives in Tokyo now. He is intelligent and well-versed in the language, history and culture of Japan. 
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I think I'm gonna call my painting,

 “ON THE ROAD  TO SAGAWA,”  I replied, explaining the thinking  behind my choice of title. 

He was quiet for a moment and then offered this, 

“I think you oughta add the word “NARROW” to the title.” 

I was perplexed.  Why?  

“Well, . . . that is a take on the title of a memoir written by Basho, a very famous Japanese poet who travelled throughout the countryside. Every Japanese schoolchild will immediately understand the reference.  And you want your painting to travel to Japan.  So . . . . … it's a perfect title!” 

”Do you really think anyone will tie Basho's  memoir to the title of my painting?  Seems a bit obscure to me (as an American).” 

“Take my word.” 

Well, I didn't.  Next time I spoke with another  (even more brilliant friend), I told him of my dream for this particular painting - to show at the Sagawa Art Museum -  and then I told him I was calling the piece,  “ON THE NARROW ROAD TO SAGAWA” and waited for any response . . . ...  

“What do you think of the title?” I asked.

”Perfect.  Brilliant idea to reference Basho in the title!” 

“Our mutual friend thought of it,” I responded, taken aback by his quick spot-on reply. “Your former roommate.” 

“Smart guy!” he replied with a wink. 
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(Custom 24k frame)