REST and STILLNESS

Passages from the upcoming MEMOIR of my 42 years in Japan, documenting the Traditional Japanese worlds of the SUMO and KABUKI WORLDS in Drawings and Paintings.

Hello all, this passage is from the upcoming Memoir of my 42 years in Japan, documenting the Japanese traditional worlds of Sumo and Kabuki theater in drawings and paintings. (Please note: these passages are not in chronological order).

I became quite well known for this work, but it was an incredible undertaking to gain passage through the doors of this closed world and then to sustain my presence there. I was able to continue to do this work because I was documenting them in beautiful artwork, which, although they knew nothing or had no interest in art especially, could see themselves clearly in the images and loved it. I gradually gained their tolerance ( I never use the term ‘acceptance’) for my presence, and I started showing up every day for many years.

I welcome any feedback you care to share. Thank you for reading this.

ON TOUR, IWATORA ZEKI napping in my room after the day’s bouts.

I had the privilege and good luck to tour with the Sumo world in the mountains of Japan for years in the 70’s, getting some of my best drawings on these trips. Some on the tour bus as it wove through the mountains, most on the ground at the venues, and sometimes behind the scenes. After Tora Zeki and I were in a relationship, secret for the time being… he would come to the hushed atmosphere of my room at the Ryokan (Inn) and take naps during the afternoon after the bouts, to escape the noise and interruptions in the stable with all the other Sumo guys. This gave me a great opportunity to do many drawings of him.

But then…Finally, it was out. Most of the gossip had passed, calmed down, and, on the last day of the tournament I could accompany Tora Zeki to be part of the heady mix of Sumo parties and receptions in Ryogoku. Where the fans ran down the street after him, and anyone with a topknot. It was like being in a celebrity swim, like the after parties for the EMMYS.

The whole town of Ryokoku, where most of the Sumo stables were, was festive and filled with fans and Rikishi ( the general term for Sumo wrestler) walking down the streets in beautiful kimono on their way to the parties and receptions. It reminded me of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

As usual, I was an oddity, the only non-Japanese, the only (oh my god) woman in the company of the Rikishi . People knew who I was because I had been a well-known artist documenting Sumo for years by now. It felt so delicious to be part of it , yet at the same time, as always, I felt a bit out of place.

For as many people who welcomed me into the festivities, and into their world as an acceptable, non-threatening novelty, some resented that I even breathed the same air. They did their best to impugn me with vicious lies and gossip. I viewed them as very sad people who needed, for some personal reasons, to do this.                

They talked with me, shared their wisdom from their years of dealing with this kind of behavior, and guided me through it. They said to ignore it, to focus on the important work I am doing which would speak for itself, and they were right. I did, it did. But it was never easy.

LM, NY, September 24.24

Please sign up on our website for ( very few) notices of upcoming events, book launches, book signings, questions, and special offers. www.lynnmatsuoka.com