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Art
From an early age, I have been fascinated by Japanese woodblock prints. Their powerful language, sticking to the essential, has been decisive in my personal graphic researches. The observation of Japanese prints has helped me concentrating on key elements, and eliminating anything that was superfluous. The strict minimum for the most effective expression, the construction of Japanese prints is a permanent source of inspiration. Later on, I have started using Indian ink with a large brush on rice paper, an Eastern technique that captivated me and for which I used large quantities of paper. My goal was not to copy calligraphy, an impossible task, but rather to freely use similar tools in an abstract language.
I had an interest for the tools, but also for the painting process in itself. In Le Vide et le Plein, Chinese writer and philosopher François Cheng, member of the French Academy, describes the art of painting on the floor and the importance of energies. This universal language I was practising.
Reduced to a minimalist expression, simply bordering the frame, the line had to find another outcome: the third dimension, sculpture.
My sculpture also has received some influences from the Land of the Rising Sun. After my encounter with Tadao Andô's creation, about which I own several books, my vision of space has considerably changed: Andô was literally fascinating me. My apprehension of the human body was also influenced by Japanese creation, thanks to the early discovery of Issey Miyake, whom I consider the most innovative of fashion designers. A whole wardrobe in a handbag!
Beauty, lightness, sobriety, constant elegance, creativity, simplicity of use, I am never short of compliments for the numerous qualities of these inalterable and timeless outfits.
That these two creators have developed fruitful collaborations seem to be a matter of course.
Japan
During about twenty years, I have shared by passion with my sons, even my passion for Japanese cuisine. One of my sons has married a Japanese woman, and their wedding ceremony has taken place both in Japan and Belgium.
I had never dreamed of travelling to the foot of Fujisan! To really meet the treasures that I had so admired: sculptures, temples, museums, gardens... Everything was like a revelation during my first trip to Japan.
The welcome was marvellously warm! Wearing a kimono was an excellent way of grasping the Japanese woman's way of being.
My daughter in law's parents have become friends. We have two granddaughters who now study at the Japanese school of La Madeleine in France.
During a group show in Belgium I have met Japanese painter Sei Arimori. We got married several years later.
We were in Kamakura on March 11th 2011. Deeply touched by this dramatic experience, I only travelled back to Japan in 2013. My husband wanted to reconcile me with his country. With him, I visited Japan with the eyes of the artist, he guided me towards the most extraordinary sites and things: the Nezu museum in Tôkyô, a lake reflecting the image of the Fuji in a pure expression of perfect beauty, outdoors onsens, ryokans...
A walk, under a strong wind, between the summits of two volcanos facing the Fuji...
The garden of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyôto...
Kaiseki ryôri...
Nara.
Myajima and its temple the Senjou-kaku.
Nachi's waterfall, about which Malraux left beautiful lines.
And, above all: Naoshima!
The beauty of the place, in the middle of the Inland sea was breathtaking: the architectures of Tadao Andô, in perfect harmony with the site, hidden as a mark of respect towards nature, only partially emerging to view. For an adept of minimalism, the museums of Naoshima appear as a perfect frame for James Turell's or Lee Ufan's works.
The Ovale aisle of Benesse House, dominating the island, connected to the other parts of the hotel, restaurant and museum by a private automatic monorail...
We shared our beautiful experience with our friends, who soon succumbed themselves to the magic of Naoshima. No one comes back exactly the same from this little piece of paradise on earth. Its sole remembrance illuminates a face, isn't it there a recipe for pure happiness?
What a fantastic story than the story of this generous patron! The prodigious rebirth of a village thanks to contemporary art, the creation of museums draining a growing number of visitors...
Work
In Ryugasaki, we have started working with great enthusiasm in my husband's studio.
In Belgium, while invited in Antwerpen by Anna3.be, for a shared exhibition in the summer of 2014, we reflected on the links between our individual creations and focused on the concept of MA.
Our artistic processes, while very different, are holding a fruitful dialogue with each other.
After a long development in the studio, works speak for themselves when they are presented to the audience. A positive reception make our happiness.
Music
My husband and myself share a same taste for classical music, that we listen to in our studio. We enjoy concerts and never miss Yuzuko Horigome's annual event in Bruxelles.
I also like the particular sounds of the music of Nô theater.
But also the popular Japanese tunes sung by my husband, which bring brightness to the grey days of the North.
We also like contemporary dance and are lucky to count among our friends Kyomi Ichida (born in Ôsaka, she now lives in Lille).
Other Japanese creators
A friend of my husband Sei Arimori, abstract painter Geert Van Fastenhout (Amersfoort,Nl), has opened for us his world of colours inspired by Bizen ceramics: deep blues, bronze greens. Making me dream of a chance to meet the ceramic artists whom I so admire.
Thanks to beautiful presents received from Japan, I had the pleasure to discover the fabulous crafts of silk, glass, laquer, porcelain... All small treasures of which I am never tired of, which are sources of inspiration, stimulating my strive for perfection by their familiar presence.
Meetings
Sei Arimori's friends, when visiting Europe, never forget to come and meet us.
Together, we visit cities, according to their wishes, and offer them a taste of Belgian cuisine and local products. The circle of excellent friends has grown substantially, we are overjoyed!
Influences
Discovering different cultures opens unsuspected perspectives.
Living together is a permanent enrichment.
Living with a Japanese artist multiplies the sensitive perceptions of the world, of nature.
Living near him, my vision of the world has changed: I have rediscovered nature and respect it more than I used to.
Eastern medical arts, physical exercices, bathing and massages, the research of well-being brings balance, the guarantee of a good health.
A healthier regimen and the positive impact of green tea were precious learnings from Japanese culture.
In our project of a contemporary house, we have drawn the lessons on lightning from the Imperial Villa in Kyôto, therefore drastically changing our plans!
The ideal of the Japanese house nevertheless remains a dream, as precious materials have a price.
For our garden, we plan to create a dry garden, a moss garden....
Belgian projects with Japanese colours!
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