Work Collection
Shioh Kato Artwork Collection
- The Journey of Inner Thoughts-
- Deluxe Collection of 35 Years in the Arts / Full Color 95 Art Works -
Limited Edition: 500 copies (36 x 29 cm) / 132 pages / Luxury Binding
Work title
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Price: $200.00 Produced by Muland International Inc. and Gallery Shioh
As I reflect on my past steps, I realize that the Journey of Inner Thoughts Shioh Kato - Artist |
The Cosmos 135×100cm Mixed Media |
This work was created for the Berkeley Symphony's 1981-83 season poster. In those days the young conductor Kent Nagano, who was nurturing the newly established Berkeley Symphony, was a rising star in the San Francisco Bay Area. The creation of this work not only sparked my friendship with Kent, but it also inspired a new artistic beginning for me. I sensed the presence of something extraordinary in the young musician's views toward music, philosophy and life. In the courtyard of Gallery Shioh in San Francisco, we enjoyed monthly concerts, including several chamber orchestra programs led by Kent. One day Kent handed me the beautiful, unusual-looking score of a new piece called "Shioh Concerto" and said, "You are going to be the piano soloist!" The composer David Berryessa had cleverly devised a score filled with multiple colors that indicated area of the keyboard, dynamics, expressions and other musical details. The only condition was that I, who had never played the piano before, would only use the black keys of the piano. I performed the piece as piano soloist with a chamber orchestra led by Kent in a matinee and evening concert. Even though I chuckle with slight embarrassment when I think of it now, it was truly a joyous, youthful time. Today Kent Nagano is widely recognized as one of the world's greatest conductors. I have always been stuck by his elegant, gallant, beautiful and dynamic style. It was the image of Kent conducting in front of the vast majestic universe that moved me to create "The Cosmos," which I consider to be my eternal theme. A splash of silver dripping from above melts into deep cosmic space, and then rises as starts, shining in full radiance to this day. |
Seeds of Cosmic Memories 55×55㎝ Mixed Media |
From the depth of Earth A new sprout is born In whispers of small weeds In silent deep black rocks The Eternal one shines Profound memories of the beginning Eternal cosmic memories of seeds |
Song of the Earth 80×80㎝ Mixed Media |
On July 11, 1991, the world was excited to witness the century's last total eclipse of the sun. We were standing by the Kilauea Crater in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The hill, which was about 200 meters long and 500 meters wide, had been softened into a gentle slope from the many repeated eruptions. This hill was the stage where seven artists from Japan, Korea and the U.S. gathered to create a live performance in celebration of the spectacular eclipse. The audience was now gathering around us. As the musicians started to cry out and play, the wind carried their voices and the extraordinarily clear sounds of the Noh Ko-Tsuzumi drum, shakuhachi, and O-Tsuzumi drum from the top of the hill. Inspired by the sounds, I held a big, 1-meter long brush directly in front of me and started to descend the hill with calm, strong steps. I walked toward five pure white canvases of 5 x 5 meters that were placed at intervals against the backdrop of the deep black hill. As I called out within myself, "Great Nature, Answer me!" I painted the character "Earth" with all my might on the first canvas. I painted the five characters: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Sky. Sound of Origin, Sound of Five Elements, Song in Praise of Earth, Song of the Earth. After many more eruptions, this place has been transformed again. The wind continues to blow through the empty, vast space. |
Iroha Uta song of Impermanence 80×80㎝ Oil |
Colors are fragrant but petals fall In this world nothing stays the same As I cross over deep mountains of sorrow I awaken from a shallow illusion No longer dreaming Attributed to Kobo Taishi Late 9th century, Japan |
Ancient Dialogue 80×80㎝ Mixed Media |
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Song of the Universe and the Earth 16×16㎝ Mixed Media |
I have loved this poem since I was 18 years old, and it has inspired many of my works. Reading it always fills my heart with warmth, nostalgia and peace. |
Threads of Time and Space 70×70㎝ Mixed Media |
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To the Inner Space in Your Life 45×50㎝ Mixed Media |
"Within words there seems to exist some kind of indescribable power. And certainly it is their nature to carry something...and form symbols." |
Silent Calling 8 32×32㎝ Mixed Media |
The beautiful lake from the ice age that I mentioned earlier is the Pyramid Lake of Nevada, situated in an American Indian village. |
Memories of Divine Essence 45×55㎝ Mixed Media |
Flower in Tree Cloud in Water Fire in Rock Gold in Soil These beautiful words from Buddhism guide me Springtime an old cherry tree in full bloom Water as clouds climbs to the sky Ancient rocks give the fire of life In the soil lies shining gold The Universe holds energy and beauty like a secret Searching for the unknown essence Each shining discovery of Oneness Unveils memories of divine essence |
Winds of Genesis 32×32㎝ Mixed Media |
Anchorage, Alaska, 1991. We drove about two hours away from town, and the majestic Matanuska Glacier, 6.5 km wide and 40 km long, spread out before us. It lay in its grandeur, continuing the pattern of melting and freezing, as it had done for millions of years. Of the many glaciers in Alaska, this is one of the few that tourists can explore on foot. |
Song in Praise of Human Beings 30×30㎝ Mixed Media |
Some time ago, I had an experience in which I felt like I was watching a frame from a movie. For a split second, I saw shadows upon shadows of thousands of people moving by. They were running, walking and sitting, making up a complete abstract image. I had been using the "x" symbol as well as scratched lines in my work for many years, intuitively feeling that these represented the Sacred and the movement of countless people. After I saw this image, the symbols in my work became more tangible to me. |