Support a Dream: Stone Sculpture in Japan

It has been a dream of mine for many years to study stone sculpture in Japan. I have recently been invited to go spend several months working in the studio of Keizo Ushio . He is an absolute master carver with 50 years of experience. The studio has been operating for 37 years. Keizo's work has been an inspiration and influence on my art since I first stumbled across one of his granite sculptures in Seattle many years ago. For me, this feels like an opportunity of a lifetime, and I have been working towards this for years.

So why am I asking for assistance?

As some of you may know, earlier this year I was involved in a bicycle accident and was injured badly enough that it took 3 months to recover to the point where I could return to work. Between the lost wages and the medical expenses, I find myself in a poor financial position to spend several months abroad in study.

I am not allowing this temporary hardship to deter me from accepting this opportunity. I have, in fact, already accepted and booked my flight. Asking for help is not an easy thing for me to do, but in this case, I am willing to do whatever it takes.

I am terribly excited and look forward to an amazing learning experience. I am also excited to return to the sculpture symposia this summer after my trip and share all the new tips and techniques with the local sculpture community.

Thank you all!