setsuko's studio

When I was high school to college student, I had to take a train for one and a half hour each way to go to school. Of course there was no iPod or even a walkman was not available. So we read a lot of books during our commute…mostly not intellectual…..mystery. Those days also French and Italian movies as well as novels were quite popular among young adults. I was one of them.  “French and Italian”, those words themselves were fascinating and exotic at that time. “Aimez-vous Brahms?” is one of the books I read and remember only the title. I am sure that is a French mystery-romance. Anyway, when I saw this tin lady with a violin, I thought about Brahms. I am more like a Pollini’s Chopin type. But a violin is good. Since I have an old camera and a toy Cadillac, this setting was simple. Also I thought about young me having a good time. That is good. Time Machine again!

It was cold and severe weather we had this year. When my cherry tree bloomed so magnificently, I was owed by the cycle of the seasons. It is finally Spring! The delicate flowers are opened and brought us such a delight. Now flowers are replaced by the new green of leaves and waiting for the summer. Who said that January 1st is the first day of the year? This is the beginning of the beautiful year!

This handblown bottle is just over 100 years old. A silversmith covered this bottle with silver and cut out the pattern. It is just a gorgeous piece. As soon as I saw this in one of the antique store, I fell in love with this perfect  form. This is one of a few paintings with silver background which works…I think.

When I saw this little tin guy in the antique store, I thought about the 50’s movies. Wearing the tuxedo, he is ready to start singing and dancing. The stories were always filled with the happiness and dreams. Sometimes I miss the old Hollywood movies which give me the simple entertainments and smile.

Acrylic on gessoed board   7.5″ x 7.5″

It was cloudy yesterday. It is raining all day today. It is a wonderful weekend to play with my paints.

Acrylic on Illustration Board. 5″ x 6.5″

I have two old cats. I am not sure how exactly old they are any more. Probably 15 to 18 years old. They are very happy living with us. A month ago I found a kitty sitting in the pet store for a quite while. Somehow all cats except her were adopted and she was in the large cage by herself for a few weeks. Of course crazy me took her home. I realized that a little cat and old cats are so different. She gets into everything she should not and run around day and night.  Fortunately my old cats are totally OK with her and more or less ignore the new comer. Now she is sleeping on my lap peacefully…while I type.

5″ x 6.5″ Acrylic on Illustration Board