Keiko Romerstein

While I work with brushes and papers, it brings me peace of mind. When my paintings are viewed by other people, they may experience happiness and a wish to own them. When I teach painting it gives me a second chance to learn. As a teacher I will enjoy my students learning and pleasure. Sumi-e painting, which looks simply done, it is the most difficult way of painting. From the moment when you put a brush stroke on white rice paper, you can’t correct your mistakes. Each stroke happens one time in your life just like in our daily life. Each moment is only a one time occurrence. It will never occur again in one’s life. This is known as “Zen approach “ often explained in Japanese art and culture. I respect this philosophy of Sumi-e painting. We try to do our best to spend each moment of our life, so each brush stroke has to be applied very carefully. It is of course, they say, the spirit of brush painting is to be bold, but careful. Diligence will bring perfection. As a Japanese born, I feel this art form should be continued from generation to generation. I feel I have an obligation to our great masters who taught us or are teaching us now to continue to study and teach others. Perhaps this is my passion for the rest of my life’s journey.