Ancient Beauty Abridged Version From a news story by January 26, 2000
Sumi-e is an art form from Japan that is two thousand years old. Drue Kataoka is an artist who does sumi-e. When she was five, she went to a museum in Tokyo. There, for the first time, she saw sumi-e landscapes. By the age of seventeen, she was a master in sumi-e and had received her signature stamp. Kataoka uses a brush filled with ink when she does sumi-e on paper. It is demanding because a mistake on paper must remain. The ink cannot be erased so each stroke is final. Sports are art forms that Kataoka chooses over landscapes. Her interest in sports stems from the growth of women's sports and its positive impact. She has done a brush painting of a rowing team who row as one. As an artist, she looks to tie in the subject to the sport or hobby. Kataoka says that it can be, "…the swish of the hoop, the crack of the bat, the wailing gesture of the jazzman's horn." Rather than traditional art, Kataoka's art is more abstract. Her love of music causes her to paint musical scenes. Her painting of Martin Luther King Jr. has become a commemorative poster at Stanford University. As Kataoka painted King, King's freedom marches, songs, and speeches inspired her. Before doing a painting, Kataoka takes time to study her subject. She will watch videos and attend games. Kate Starbird, a women's basketball star, was recently painted by Kataoka. As she watched Starbird play, Kataoka seemed able to create Starbird's talent on paper. Stanford coach, Tara Vanderveer says the painting helps people remember Starbird 's moves on the court. Money for scholarships and charities has been raised from Kataoka's commemorative paintings. Although only 21, Kataoka is leaving her mark on the artistic world and perhaps in history.
Additional notes: Other articles about Drue Kataoka can be found at the following sites: More information about sumi-e art is available at the following sites:
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