2024.07 LOS ANGELES ART ASSOCIATION

TSUNAMI SOULS took years to create.  In 1967 while working one night, in the art department of the University of Southwestern Louisiana [now LSU Lafayette] I noticed water which had spilled on the floor. 

I later created a series of water spilled on surfaces, mainly because I didn’t think I could draw nor paint any realism.  I was not introduced to abstract art by my instructors.  My first water drop painting had been accepted into theDalgado Museum, now the New Orleans Art Museum.  I decided I’d explore anything related to the reflection of light on water.  

FAST FORWARD TO THE 21ST CENTURY.  I was in Japan in 2019, for a group exhibition in which some of my water drop paintings were apart. The 19th Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition had artists from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, France, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Poland, Mexico, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the USA.  I have since exhibited with this group every year at Museums in and around Tokyo. These exhibits are curated by Julienne Johnson, a recognized international artist and multi disciplined talent. 

Walking along a black beach outside of Tokyo, I began picking of shards of ceramics.  Quickly I realized what I was actually finding.  I then picked that beach clean also scooping up a bag full of sand.  These treasures moved from my office, to my living room, back to my office, out to my studio, all around my surroundings  for several years while my mind was continually wondering what could I to with them as they were haunted by the souls that had touched the treasures.  Finally I saw my old painting of the water spilled on the floor.  Finally the ceramics were joined in a peaceful resting place.  TSUNAMI SOULS is created to Honor and Respect the lives lost in 2011.