Art and an Artist

Here is the great artist, Allen West!  We recently visited his studio and he was kind enough to show us around.  He and his wife are wonderful people and he is a famous artist.  He is also our home teacher.  In the LDS church, that means he checks up on us every month to see how we are doing and to see if there is anything that he can do to help us. So this time we went to be visited at his studio.  He has had shows everywhere

and in famous museums like the Smithsonian. He has been commissioned by many people to do specific works of art for them.  If you would like to see some of the beautiful work that he does with gold leaf and silver, just google Allen West and put in Japan or artist and you can read all about him and see more of his beautiful work.

Here I am meditating and enjoying the beautiful painted

screens that he has so meticulously painted.  I'm hoping

that we can buy something small before we go home

although his work is very pricey.

How is this for an artistic display?

This was just on the street where

we were walking.

Speaking of works of art,

Here is a beautiful door hanging made

especially for the New Year and given

to us by some of the sweet secretaries

at our office.

Here is another door hanging

which is not quite as  elaborate

but still very beautiful.



A New Year fan ornament





Yet another New Years door hanging.

I'm sure this little guy must have something

to do with New Years, too.

While we're looking at beautiful things, I thought you

might enjoy seeing my oriental jewelry box.

These are kind of like make a wish or a hope arrows.  They can be purchased at shrines. I've heard that you were supposed to take the one you got the previous year back to make another wish.  The people who were in our apartment before us, apparently didn't know that.

This is pretty kimono hanging, too, wouldn't you say?

This was made by some sweet relief society sisters in Sapporo.

Here is the great person I especially enjoy seeing in the     apartment and at the office!  Elder Chandler and I recently

finished reading, I will lead you along, The life of Henry B.Eyring. If you get a chance to read this book, I think you would really enjoy it, too.

Sayonara for now!