京都へ行こう！

I'm currently in Japan doing a language program for researchers, academics, &c., but last weekend I stayed in Kyoto with a new-found friend at an amazing guesthouse. It was right near the center of Gion and within walking distance from Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Pagoda, and pretty much the same price as local youth hostels. Sleeping on a futon took some getting used to, but was fun.









The cafe. Kyoto has an amazing abundance of old things, something I never see in Tokyo. I saw two antique singer sewing machines in the span of a weekend- one in the cafe and one on the side of the street.










Yasaka Pagoda. It is one of the few pagodas that you can go inside, which was also pretty fantastic.

Until next time- じゃあね！

Music For: The 80's

|\|3\/\/ \/\/A\/3 & G0|=|= from SumthinBoutMar on 8tracks Radio.

This is kind of amazing. I played it while cleaning my apartment and trying not to stress about my impending journey to Japan.

Prayer

Inori- Prayer
2011
Oil on canvas board

Once in a while I take a stab at using oil paints. Every time I realize that the pain of clean up and having to wait for it to dry isn't worth the possible good results. I think I will stick with watercolors for now.

Music For: Starting Again

Suede: It Starts And Ends With You

I just found out this week that Suede (or The London Suede) recently regrouped and put out a CD, which I've been listening to all week. Sometimes music just hits you that way- it's been a stressful week in a weird sort of way, and this was just what I needed.
I seem to be more and more developing a complete disinterest in music produced now, unless it's by significantly older bands. It's not that I have anything against the present state of music, I just rarely hear anything that interests me.

Hellebore and Peonies

Happy Monday! The top painting is of Lenten Roses, also called Hellebore, or Christmas Rose in Japan. The lower one is of peonies, and was displayed at Art all Night this year. It was a pretty fun event- there was quite a range of artists who contributed, and it really had a great community feeling. I'm not sure if other cities do similar things, but it's definitely worth checking out! Also I am meeting with a lady later this week who is interested in buying the peonies painting, which is pretty exciting.

Music For: Madmen and Aliens

BUCK-TICK: Bran-New Lover

My favorite band. They are a bit odd.

April Showers

Some pictures from a week or so ago. I love the heavy rain this time of year, although this time we got caught in it without an umbrella.