| Issue #40, January 12, 2007 |
Honoring the Artist: Yoko Shiraishi
The following conversation took place in Sag Harbor’s John Jermaine Library, a quiet haven set off from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This week’s cover artist, Yoko Shiraishi, fit right in with the surroundings: quiet, contemplative, yet enthusiastic about art and life.
There were times during the discussion that it seemed Ms. Shiraishi was reliving experiences evoked by the questions. Even so, she was often “in the moment,” her bright eyes alive with the joy of living.
Q: The cover is a beautiful seascape; what is it about the subject that inspires you?
A: ( Quoting a note she wrote ): I am always fascinated by the sea, seeing deep emotion, frightening beauty and freedom, the possibility of creation. The sea is like a bridge or medium for me. The entrance to a four-dimensional world beyond space and time. The sea makes me feel I can reach out to its incredible beauty and create something never seen before.
Q: That sounds like poetry. Do you write poetry?
A: A little.
Q: Getting back to your idea of the sea, I just realized that you have lived on an island a lot of your life. After all, you are from Japan, and you lived in Manhattan and now Long Island. All of these places are by the water. How do you like it here in Sag Harbor? Are you adjusting now that you don’t live in New York City?
A: It’s too noisy in New York. I belong here. I never felt like myself in Manhattan.
Q: You bought an old house filled with history where Indians used to live. How do you find that experience?
A: I had to renovate the house; it took two years because I had to do it myself. It was very tough, but it’s so important to me. It’s my sacred place. It’s my kingdom. The fact that this was also a sacred place for the Indians is very inspiring. I’m a temple keeper. In the Prohibition Era, people also used to smuggle liquor from Shelter Island to my land.
Q: What a legacy your home has. The important thing is, you have a connection to the area as well as to your home.. You also have a bond with the sea and nature in general. Connections are essential to you, obviously. What about art? You must have had a commitment to that, too.
A: Yes, I studied in Japan at an art institute and had my own art school for four years. I earned money that way to come to New York.
Q: We’re glad you’re here.
– Marion Wolberg Weiss
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