A couple of days ago, a friend from Kyusyu visited me, and we've been busy hanging out since then. Today, we attended an art show that I've entered my bird painting. The exhibition runs from today (the 13th) through the 26th, so if you're in Kyoto during that time, please visit the venue in Gojyo-zaka.

All the pieces are handmade or hand-painted by skilled craftsmen in Kyoto, and you can enjoy looking around. Most of them are one-of-a kind pieces. The various works entertains you.

Here's my piece, which was purchased this year as well. I'm very happy about it because I took a completely different approach to my painting this year. I priced it at 352,000 yen, and I was worried if it wouldn't be sold because of the price or the change in style. However, the same art gallery that have purchased my work four times in raw bought it again. My friend and I've been friends since we were university students, but she'd never seen my paintings before. When she saw my piece, she gave me a huge compliment.

I'm thinking that I'll try entering two more different ceramic art exhibitions next year. I also plan to discover at least two more art galleries that are interested in my art. I'm really looking forward to next year!

Before entering the piece, I practiced writing its title with sumi ink for an hour every morning. I wanted every detail to look perfect and professional.

I think the title turned out pretty well, thanks to the practice. I attached the paper with handwritten title to the box for my piece.

I met an artist who specializes sculpting. I've wanted to learn how to create ceramic forms for years, so I asked her if she would teach me. She told me that I could go to her studio, so probably I'll learn it from her. The pictures below show some of her works.

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