Fire, Names, Chests and Roses

What a couple weeks it has been! Mid-terms are here but the fun never stops-ever. This past weekend I attended the opening reception of the newest art exhibit at the Smith Art Museum titled Touch Fire. It showcases 21 contemporary female Japanese ceramic artists (mouthful!) that have created both utilitarian and expressionistic works ranging from pottery to large scale installation pieces. My favorite artist is Azumi Shigematsu who blends organic and surreal forms that look like futuristic playground structures. It is hard to describe so I would definitely suggest Goggle-n-it. Smith was fortunate enough to have her come and give a presentation on her life and work and my favorite insight she gave to the audience was about the concept of tradition in Japan. Here we think of tradition as static but the Japanese have two words for tradition, one being dento that represents the idea that tradition is the change of innovation over time. That being said, while her art might seem outside of traditional Japanese ceramic it actually is in sync with it.
Second on my list is Names which only requires minimal explanation. During a recent conversation with my good friend Taja I was given a list of must reads one being Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman. I've decided to take it ou of the library and commit to reading a little every day to maintain my love of reading for pleasure. However, reading a little has turned into read a whole heckofalot because it is so darn wonderful and poetic. The story takes place during a summer in Italy and there is apricot juice. Nuff said.

On Saturday, after my America Reads training for my tutoring gig I went to a film screening in Amherst about Korean weddings called the Korean Wedding Chest. The professor who teaches my Women and Modernity in Asia class suggested it to us last minute and as a visual anthropology kid I thought it would be a good experience. The German filmmaker, Orilke Ottinger, was there to answer questions afterward and brought another 29 minute film with her she had just finished called Still Living. Her film style was all over the place which was off putting at first but by the end I appreciate the fact that she called our attention to the various manipulations and roles that the camera eye can have to relay fantasy and fiction. Some scenes were heavily composed and others let the audience do more work and careful observation. Often in movie making the film style is so consistent that you don't even realize how spoon fed we are as viewers but she didn't necessarily want us to have easy viewing. She kept you waiting, wanting and wondering. Good stuff.
I'll end this entry with and explanation of the photo that is obviously tied to the Roses topic. At Capen house (my old campus stomping grounds) my friend Sarah's boat-building boyfriend showed me how to make roses out of maple leaves. He splits his time between New Hampshire (??) and Massachusetts and has become a Smith legend for his good humor and good energy and willingness to entertain anyone who isn't working. Lucky boy.

Love and Happiness to all!
emr