“We are not here to be comfortable. We are here to grow.”
- Christian Johnson
Welcome to the Studio with Komikka!
This is what’s in the pot: art, paper, beaches, mountains, ceramics, porcelain, new people, exhibitions, and Japanese experiences and adventures. All these things work together to create a collage of my time spent on Kyūshū island.
A major goal for my time in Japan revolves around Japanese spirituality mirroring African-American/West African spirituality; the focus on simple ritualistic objects, intention, and meticulousness—cleaning and the state of cleanliness, ancestral veneration, drums, bells, smoke, flowers, and more. Finding similarities in how these things are done, whatever the intentions are, has been an interest in my residency.
Putting all these things in a pot and observing what comes of it will take some processing—and I won’t finish processing it for the coming months; the rabbit holes this adventure has taken me on have been incredibly rewarding.
Rooted in Japan
I'm currently settling in Itoshima, Japan—riding bikes, making art, and chit-chatting with artists from all over the world. There are 11 of us in total; I am 1 of 2 artists coming from the States. As a month-long program ended and another group arrived, I decided to stay in Itoshima a little longer.
Places can inspire, influence, and motivate—having the honor to learn from artists husband and wife, Hiro and Sari, and alongside other artists has been an experience full of constant transitions.
Traveling to Japan reminded me of the excitement, joy, and sense of adventure I thrive on; the destination, the journey, the fun sharing of spaces with strangers that can bloom into budding friendships.
Getting to know people has led to potential destinations and the receiving of different cultures, languages, humanisms, and the understanding or functionalities of humanity. Being surrounded by so many people can give different variations of how to be human beyond the experiences of being African-American and womanhood.
Blossoming in Itoshima
As the Sakura blooms, I have an upcoming exhibit in Japan where I will showcase artworks, ceremonial objects, and performance rituals from my two-month stay in Studio Kura.
Dedicated to the parts of self that are deemed unloveable by society and therefore by self (both being interchangeable); looking at the shadow versions of ourselves we can bring them to light—what is hidden becomes enlightened. Conversations of love and compassion with the parts we hide elevate our spirits and consciousness.
My exhibition will take place at Studio Kura on April 27 and 28 from 12 pm - 6 pm.
This installation reveals my shadows and marks moments of spaces I held for very complicated and hurt parts of myself. All things crave love and by loving the Self, we can expand our capacity to hold space for others. Through showing unconditional love for the parts of ourselves that we shun, by effect, we open another space to accept. To do so in the micro effects of the macro.
I invite my audience to start a conversation with those darker parts of themselves that have been neglected out of fear, pride, anger, grief, guilt, and shame. This exercise of acceptance and compassion encourages a deepened relationship and dialogue with God/Source/The Universe and Beyond.
Brooklyn Bound
2Blak Tarot Deck Presale Open
The artwork in this deck serves to uplift the Southern Black woman who encompasses moments of endurance and vitality. The illustrations of this deck utilize layering traditional drawing, printmaking, and photo collage; to couple the esoteric with the grounded, often weaving in slivers of African traditions, symbology, and a recurring motif of the sacred feminine to help bring forth ancient archetypes.
These cards cycle maternity and cosmic spaces, with Vodun and Hoodoo accents and language, highlighting matriarchal freedoms, and honoring Matrilineal culture. Here lies a deep understanding of Southern Black Culture, Black Mysticism, and Black Women; with the recognition that women are the backbone of the African Diaspora.
Each Black, White, Red, and Yellow illustration highlights the beauty of claiming identity, history, and traditions and reconnecting with something ancient, divine, internal, and eternal, with a gravity that speaks of Birth, Life, Death, and the Afterlife.
“Even though everyone can learn from HERstory with this deck, this deck is a bold testament to black women as it is an all-female deck as only women are depicted through the art.”
- Miala Goldsmith
The Four Ladies in Itoshima
From the perspective of African-American culture, brooms are strong cleansing objects around the world removing evil spirits, sweeping away past wrongs, and cleaning away negative energy. These brooms bought in a 100-yen shop in Itoshima, Japan, which I then embellished, look very similar to African grass brooms.
I know there are only so many ways to make a broom, but when I saw them, they instantly resonated deeply. The broom is meant to be given respect often in African-American households.
Turned upside-down, brooms are put at entrances to keep away unwanted guests (I have one over my front door). Sweeping over someone’s feet in my family is liable for an argument and spitting on the broom. Brooms falling over are often omens and sweeping after dark is a big no-no.
When I saw how beautifully decorated and crafted Japanese brooms were (particularly from the Edo period), I felt incredibly connected to the attention to detail of a shared ritual object. These remarkably crafted brooms mirror the spiritual act of cleansing across cultures—not only in the home but also in sacred spaces.
Part of my proposal for coming to Japan was to study these similarities in spiritual practices. Although some may look at brooms as just a household item, historically, the broom is incredibly revered for its simplicity and power.
All of this was inspired by a simple little hand broom in my room.
Food, Paper, Porcelain, and Ceramics
As projects come to an end, doors open up awaiting newness to enter.
Allowing time for exhibits, meeting artists and locals—and even karaoke—and touristy things.
Paper Mill
For over 300 years, Nao Tesuki Paper Mill produced traditional Japanese paper—washi—from fibers from local kaji (mulberry) trees and continues to do so. In the Saga prefecture, I experienced paper making and dyeing the paper with indigo.
Arita Porcelain & Karatsu Ware
Known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, Arita originally produced porcelain exclusively for Japan’s elites.
Originally created for everyday-use items, Karatsu ware bowls, plates, and other utensils are often used for tea ceremonies. Pottery of this sort gets its name from the high pottery production in the Karatsu ceramic town.
Kabashima House
Home to about 100 original ukiyo-e prints, Kabashima House is a historic old mansion just a 20-minute bike ride away from Studio Kura.
To Slowing Down
Slowing down comes more naturally in the countryside, and with slowing down comes more intention. As someone who is constantly battling to stay intentional and rushing to meet deadlines, people, and flights—sometimes I am forgetful of my intentions and have to be constantly reminded that being in the moment is better for focus.
Slowness allows me to lean deeper into the process. Japan has been very helpful in the department of moving at a steady pace and stopping to smell the Sakura.
More info and insights next month.
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- Komikka Patton