dictated but not read...

I have avoided writing anything serious about my experience here in Japan, because I don't know how to formulate the words to describe what I feel. Being here has not only changed my outlook on architecture and design, but life as well.

Here are some of the places where I have felt most inspired.

Tokaian: Garden of the Soul
This is the most incredible rock garden I have ever seen. Walking through the threshold and seeing this garden for the first time was such an amazing experience. I literally felt shortness of breath and fulness in my heart. sounds cheesy, but it kind of was. (picture stolen from nick, i forgot my camera that day)


My watercolor of this space, doesn't do much justice.







Koyasan Cemetery
In the mountain town of Nara, this cemetery has ancient cedars, beautiful moss, amazing stone work. The path of the cemetery leads to the Kobo Daishi Mausoleum, a very sacred place so no cameras allowed. Next to the mausoleum is an incredible building filled floor to ceiling with orange lit lanters. ( I had to steal the last image off the internet, because no photos were permitted)






Arashiyama: Katsura River
We come here often to swim, but I love just sitting by river to think and paint. The layering of scenery here is incredible, and watching the sunset here on the fourth of July was one of my most memorable experiences.