Twenty years ago, when I was 20, I worked at a welfare facility. I often visited an art club for children with Down syndrome at that facility. One child would draw dinosaurs while looking at picture books. However, when the drawing was finished, it took on its own unique form and was colored vibrantly. Another child would select only warm colors from over 100 crayons and create beautiful drawings with small crayons. I first encountered 'art' born from personal senses and touches there. This experience inspired me to start making art and led me to create Atelier Grapefruit, a place where everyone can enjoy art.
In Tokyo 20 years ago, studios in the San Francisco Bay Area were frequently featured. I dreamed of visiting those studios myself. Finally, last year, I had the opportunity to visit three studios in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of which was NIAD. I arrived at NIAD's entrance with my young children in a stroller. Upon entering, there was a gallery on the left and a beautiful studio on the right, where members were working on their creations. While listening to the rhythmic sound of one of the NIAD members playing the drums, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful staff and artists.
"To Paint Is To Love Again” is the title of a collection of paintings by Henry Miller, and this theme served as the inspiration for the exhibition. Lines, colors, tremors, resonances, breaths, and playful moments emerge in the paintings. Brave, light, meandering, and resilient. Paintings always call out to me. I sigh deeply. I love NIAD.
Atelier Grapefruit
Director
Natsuko Isaka