Tea Ceremony in the Azalea Garden, Kazuko Stern, Oil on Canvas
Artist Statement
In this painting, I hope to convey the calm and intimate atmosphere of an informal tea ceremony at the garden of Nezu Shrine in Tokyo, Japan.
I was inspired to paint this scene during my visit to Tokyo in mid-April some years ago. Since I had missed out on cherry blossom season my sister took me to the Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine. The annual event attracts many visitors who admire over 3000 various azalea plants in the garden of the shrine.
It was stunning to view azalea in full bloom. Upon entering the garden, I noticed that a little stage was set up for an outdoor tea ceremony. Traditionally, a Japanese tea ceremony is attended by guests dressed formally in kimonos. But here I saw a very informal setting attended by regular people. Surrounded by these guests, a young woman serving tea became the focal point of my painting.
Artist Bio
Stern was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and moved to Colorado Springs after living in New York City and Washington, D.C. She also practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in Colorado Springs, CO. After her son left for college, she started to paint seriously. She was fortunate to study under excellent teaches, such as Quang Ho, Eric Bransby, Herman Raymond, Desmond O’Hagan, Don Sahli, Kim English, Ray Vinella, Ned Muller, Chuck Mardosz, Sparkey LeBold to name a few. Her work has been shown in many galleries and museums across the country.
Stern believes that her art represents a culmination of her life experience and her interest in traveling internationally and domestically, history, literature, classical music, opera and foreign languages. Her work reflects her exposure to and experience in diverse cultures. Wherever she travels and whatever she experiences, she sees the world as a parade of possible paintings, and she wishes to convey these sensations to the viewer.
