Japan at Kew

We saw a lot of Japanese influence at Kew on Saturday. Blossom, bamboo, an original wooden silk-making building, pagoda, carp pool and landscaped garden.

Am wondering if this could be the smallest (or only) paddy field in the UK.....?

Reflect

Spent an evening back in my favourite place, the V&A, which was the most packed I've ever seen it.  We actually managed to find quiet areas, away from the crowds,  such as the Renaissance rooms and we sat by the pool in the courtyard, surrounded by reflections.

He told me how his art and business are quickly developing. So exciting to hear about things moving forward. Especially creative ideas. We loved the Yamamoto exhibition (again!). 

I was able to reflect by the water at Kew Gardens the next day: I love these lilies on the still surface of the dark water.

Yohji Yamamoto

I wandered in to the V&A, after collecting my visa in Chinatown this morning and happened to arrive on the first day of the Yamamoto exhibition. There is a background of disbelief and sadness as we hear about the terrible devastation in Japan caused by the recent massive earthquake. But even so, it is still good to celebrate the great people that come from Japan, one of whom is Yohji Yamamoto. I loved looking at the incredible range of clothes Yamamoto has designed over the years. Apparently he remains a monument of calm in the turmoil of rehearsals. He stays in the present, says he doesn't think about the future, but loves to dwell on the past for inspiration for his creations.

Our thoughts are very much with the nation of Japan right now as everyone works together to help with the enormous search and rescue operation in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The Butterfly Lovers

Listening to The Butterfly Lovers the violin concertos written by Gang Chen and Zhanhao He in 1959. Although derived from the opera in Shanghai it fuses with Western musical traditions too.  This opera, old paintings,such as this one from the 1500's, and the stunning embroidery of butterflies from the Empress's clothes collection are capturing my attention at the moment..... fluid movement and lines, and some Eastern and Western synthesis too.

Dali

Looking forward to being back in Dali in just over a month's time........

Visa will be ready on Weds:)
Getting excited about my April trip to China.

South London Art Map

 Claire Hart Design in the February exhibition in Vanguard Court; part of South London Art Map

Exhibition in Vanguard Court

 The artists in Vanguard Court reclaimed a huge old studio space in the courtyard and this is where our work was displayed last weekend. Perfect space! The exhibition was part of South London Art Map, whose launch was at Tate Modern earlier in the week.