Friday I traveled to Izu Kogen, at the invitation of the carving teacher I previously took a couple of classes. If you are interested in Buddhist wood carving, please contact Mr. Hitoshi Yamazaki.
The statues in this section of the exhibit were carved by Mr. Yamazaki. Not only were these statues interesting to look at, but he explained many things about the carvings and Buddhism in English for us!
The statues in this section of the exhibit are carved by student carvers.
The exhibition is being held at Art Gallery Sauin inside the Izu Kogen Station for a few more days: May 22, 23, 25, 28, 30, from 10 am - 4 pm, and admission is free. I highly recommend checking it out!
Wednesday I joined another carving class and decided to try a new project. This is what I started with. The finish will be a small Jizo statue.
Mine is on the left, mid-way through the class. The one on the right is the finished example.
Our teacher, Hitoshi Yamazaki, is on the far right. The two women are advanced carving students.
This is the finished example and my piece at the end of the class. It still needs a lot of work, but I like how it is coming along.
I really liked the experience, so I signed up to take two more classes with this teacher, Hitoshi Yamazaki. This is what I chose as my project. (I should have chosen something less difficult!)
Using this Japanese measuring tool, called a shaku, and a chisel, I went to work.
There were three other longer time students working on various projects. We had a tea time break in the middle of the three hour class.
This is what my piece looked like at the end of the class. I know, pretty sad looking. The teacher said it looked better than he expected!
This picture was taken by my teacher and sent to me.
I hope I can do better next time.
