2021 Chozen-ji Art Show: The Joy of Art
Chozen-ji's 2021 Annual Zen Art Show was a successful first in many ways. It was the first year that the Art Show was held as a hybrid of online and in-person sales, with online reservations accepted for in-person attendance. It was also the first year that a new cohort of relatively new and young Dojo members took responsibility for many of the logistics, marketing, and preparations. Pulling off an in-person Art Show in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was a true community accomplishment.
Under the theme, "The Joy of Art," the Art Show sought to show "how the joy of art can be found everywhere," as Abbot Sayama Daian Roshi described in his introduction for the show:
"Art is a way to help us enjoy life. From the Zen perspective, Art illuminates the natural balance and order in the Universe. Art puts us into samadhi. Art is a vibration exemplifying Kozen no Ki (the flow of energy in the Universe) and helps us resonate with this energy. At Chozen-ji during a good sitting on Saturday morning, when the body is immovable and the mind clear, there is a shimmering tranquility in the morning light and stillness of the Dojo. This experience is deeply pleasurable and beautiful, and I think, the essence of joy."
What visitors first saw as they entered the Art Show was a huge arrangement of flowers set by the Kado class under Tommy Fujikawa and Norma Wong Roshi's guidance. At the center of the array was a huge bonsai tree from Sayama Roshi's personal collection, which had been transported to the Dojo in the back of a SUV by Li Nishimura and Kangen Roshi, the planter resting in the spare wheel bed of the car so that it could fit inside the car.
Opening night was reserved for Dojo members, who were treated to a rousing performance by Chizuko and Kenny Endo of the Taiko Center of the Pacific and the Taiko Arts Center.
Calligraphy by Michael Kangen Roshi and Norma Wong Roshi included works on shikishi and wood. Several large scrolls mounted on silk were also sold.
Ceramics included decorative ware like flower vessels, pots, chawan, lidded containers, sake bottles, and cups fired in the wood-fired kiln earlier in the year. Also for sale were functional ware like bowls, platters, cups, and plates fired in the gas kiln. Works were made by Daijo Kaneshiro Sensei, Robert Nouchi, Cristina Moon, Geraldine Abergas, Christine Cordero, and others.
"Art can be enjoyed in many ways at many levels," Sayama Roshi wrote to orient visitors to how they could approach not just the usual arts and crafts show, but a showcase of Zen Art. "The arrangement of cushions, a calligraphy, flowers in a vase, a cup of tea, or the scent of incense can enhance the kiai of the moment and foster joy. Art can be practiced in all activities and is accessible by all.
"We hope our 2021 Art Show shows how the joy of art can be found everywhere."