It was difficult getting up and out last evening. The thought of going out into the cold caused my excitement about a planned attendance at an upcoming exhibit to dwindle.

The trooper in me reminded me of my commitment to attend Globus Washitsu ‘s “Color Of Japan” exhibit, featuring the works of Tomomi Kamoshita.

Along with this reservation to attend the reception, I was looking forward to meeting Souheki Mori, “Tea-Whisk” and having real life interaction with my tea friends Nicole Martin, “Tea For Me Please”, Natasha, “Snooty Tea Person” and my sister in tea “Tea Philosophy”, Verna L. Hamilton.

Opportunities to connect with tea friends come few and far in between these days, so I dressed for the weather and headed out.

Upon arrival, lovely young woman, wearing a beautiful kimono, greeted me; she graciously checked my name off the list and informed me that my friend was waiting. I walked down the entryway to the vision of the beaming smile and presence of Verna.

Playing “quick elevator catch up” on the state of our well beings, we arrived on our floor. There we found the designated door along with the area where we were to place our shoes. I had prepared myself for this requirement by wearing my “special” tabi socks.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the serene and beautiful environment I was about to explore. Upon entering the Zen surroundings, floors covered with tatami mats, walkways created with slabs of stone with rocks surrounding. The sound of water trickling from the stone fountain in the entryway set the tone.

I was welcomed and invited to look at Tomomi’s exquisite work. I was struck by the colorful display. Not the usual color palate, the representation was a subtle and striking array. I was enamored. Each setting collection was an assortment of pieces that would enhance any tea service, the cups, delicate and begged to be held. I was encouraged to pick them up by another beautifully kimono clad young woman, when she introduced herself I was taken aback; I was actually speaking to the artist. When I get opportunities to speak to an actual creator I am always humbled.

Each setting was complete with a description of the color and inspiration. There were also historical notations regarding the colors. I found myself having a hard time moving past the blue grouping. It may have been the description that referred to the sky and I am such a sky aficionado.

The center of the room featured Tomomi’s work in “kin-tsugi” the display enchanting. Yes, I was mesmerized. Her work distinctive, utilizing the gold paint with levels of texture and distinct stylistic nuances. I have attempted this process myself and was inspired as I examined the work of a professional up close. In one offering she combined an antique plate with a modern that was one of my favorites.

I do not want to neglect to mention, during the exhibit we were musically adorned by featured musician Jun Ando who played fusion techniques on the koto, the music was calming, centering and perfect for stimulating reflection.

The exhibition continued upstairs where we were encouraged to take a whiff of a grouping of wonderful, scents, then on to view the grouping of matcha bowls.

Also on display was a two toned chasen, something I had not seen before.

Everything was so wonderful, and our host Stephen, gracious and welcoming.

Thank you all for an amazing experience.

Inspired by the evenings events I came home and indulged in a cup of matcha and my gift from Tomomi, Thank you.

For more information, and better photo quality representation of Tomomi’s work please visit her website.

From Tomomi’s Website:http://rittau.jimdo.com/

Her bio reveals, she was born in Tokyo and graduated from Joshibi University Ceramic course in 2000. She has exhibited at “RITTAI TO UTSUWA” since 2007 and has held exhibitions in Tokyo, Paris and New York to list a few places. She has recently begun exploring the fine art of “kin-tsugi” with great result. She states her goal is to come up with colors that attract the human eye, the kind of colors that people want to keep looking at.