The World of Sumi-e and Nihon-ga by Kayo Beach
March 1, 2011 - March 30, 2011
During the month of March (March 1, 2011 - March 30, 2011) the Japanese Friendship Garden will be featuring an exhibition called The World of Sumi-e and Nihon-ga by Kayo Beach. The exhibit will contain a collection of Japanese ink style paintings, called Sumi-e and Nihon-ga, that are characterized by their delicate brushstrokes and soft touches of water. The basic materials used for the creation of Sumi-e works are referred to as the “four treasures.” The “four treasures” consist of washi rice paper, brushed called fude, an ink stone called suzuri, and an ink stick called sumi.
The exhibition will showcase various styles of Sumi-e that have developed throughout the ages. Bokusai-ga is a style of Sumi-e that uses gansai water color. Gansai water color is made with natural mineral pigments that are mixed with liquid hide glue called nikawa glue. These materials in conjunction with sumi ink form the basis of the Bokusai-ga style of Sumi-e. Nihon-ga, another style of Sumi-e, is very different from other Sumi-e styles because it uses not only gansai water color, but also an opaque white pigment called gofun that is applied on silk, on byobu screen or on gold leaf (kinpaku).
About the Artist
Kayo Beach was born in Kobe Japan and started painting at a young age and has been the recipient many awards for her work throughout her career. Kayo attended the Maryland School of Art where she began her studies in oil and water color. She continued to learn advanced water color techniques at Palomar College and focused specifically on Sumi-e and Nihon-ga under the guidance of Mrs. Kazuko Reynolds at the Washu Sumie School for 20 years where she earned the first degree level teacher certification. She participates and exhibits work at local and regional shows twice a year and has instructed art classes at the Japanese American Community Center, Oasis of North County. Currently, she is teaching at the Art Club in Balboa Park.
This project is funded by the City of San Diego Commission of Arts and Culture
