Smith Rock Statement

Smith Rock Series

 

From an early age, I have had an interest in archeology and geology. I am thrilled by the sophistication of ancient cultures and the raw power of the natural forces on the earth beneath them. In my travels to India, Cambodia, Indonesia, China, Egypt, Greece, and Central America, I was amazed by mankind’s highly developed artistic capacity and ability to harness nature in such a long time ago.

 

Since leaving my homeland in Japan and moving to Oregon, my interests have shifted towards gaining a fuller understanding of the monumental powers of nature separate from culture. As I soak in the natural landscapes of the Western United States in my hikes and camping, I am continuously surprised by the geological treasures of Central and Eastern Oregon. Among these surprises is Smith Rock, which I saw for the first time in 2017. 

 

Hearing that Smith Rock was a rock climber’s paradise of cliffs, I sought out more majestic geological forms to explore in the region. Upon visiting Smith Rock State Park to satisfy my curiosity about climbers rather than their medium, I was mesmerized by nature’s beautiful arrangement of large groups of rock faces. Each rock stands proudly with dignity after overcoming such long and cruel, climatic changes and geological forces.

 

In my return trips to the park at different times of the year, each rock face presents to me a personalized character and keeps me attracted.  After struggling with painting these strong characters, I am gradually familiar to them. Whenever I now see them, I feel like “I am beginning to know you”.