MIDORI YAMADA

My name is Midori Yamada, and I am an artist who specializes in my own Japanese drawing and painting style called “Ronda*”.

This is my first time coming to NYC, and I am excited to show you the paintings that I have been working on.

Born in Japan, I am part of a family of calligraphers that goes back generations. A traditional art form, calligraphy has been a significant part of Asian culture and history.

In calligraphy, beauty is found within the well-balanced, yet stark, contrast of black and white. The rich glossiness of the ink. The variances of the brush strokes. The crimson red of the artist’s seal. The quiet strength of the characters.

It was my father who taught me about the pleasure that could be found in the variety of colors, which cultivated in me an appreciation for their beauty.

Painting and drawing are not what I have always done. I used to be a jazz singer in nightclubs and hotel lounges, but I grew weary of the music scene as the days and nights passed me by.

It was in 2001 that I decided to leave my singing career for the life of a nun. Having made up my mind, I started to clean my place and got ready to move to a temple.

While cleaning, I found a plain white t-shirt and began painting on it. This continued for days - I was having so much fun, I couldn’t stop.

The act of painting brought on enormous feelings of relief and relaxation, and completely re-energized me!

I have continued to paint since then.

I would like to explain a little bit about my work.

I never draft my paintings, and always use a ruling pen, a compass, a Japanese brush, and very traditional mineral pigments.

I hope you enjoy this exhibition.

My hope is to bring happiness to many through my paintings.

Thank you very much.

I really appreciate your visit.

Thank you,

Midori Yamada

*rondo + art = ronda