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Allegra B McFarland's avatar

Nothing moves me more readily to tears of bitter regret and sadness than the stories of the gifted Japanese families interred in camps during WWII. There's something about those stories and the magnanimity with which the survivors of those camps continued to live and give their talents that undoes me. I was born in the midst of that war, but I had never heard about the internment camps until Ed Tsutakawa, owner of Litho-Art printshop in Spokane, Washington, told me the stories about the effects of the war on families like his and the founders of the Uwajimia market and the stunning Kubota Gardens in Seattle. Such grace under unimaginable trauma. I'll look for Chiura Obata's work, thank you.

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Allegra B McFarland's avatar

Correction: I meant "the Japanese families interned (not interred) in camps, during World War II." My inner editor is working late.

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Stephen Yates's avatar

Wonderful imagery. Hard to believe he could get his brushwork captured as woodblock prints. We enjoy every column you create. Thank you!

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Lucie Duclos's avatar

Amazing work and great story! Keep up the good work and the wild things!

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Susan Mast's avatar

I have Obato’s book with the wood cuts of Yosemite and I treasure it. Thanks for your write up about his work. I love immigrants.

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Jean Erreca's avatar

Thank you, Kerry, we always look forward to see what's new with Wild Things!

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Ginny Banks's avatar

Thanks for this story Kerry and the artwork is beautiful!

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anne schneider's avatar

Beautifully written, Kerry. Your descriptive voice sings.

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Kate Dwyer's avatar

I had never heard of this artist. As usual, a fascinating story. Who says you have to do it weekly? Why not twice a month? I always look forward to reading Wild Things.

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Maria Mendes's avatar

Great article. I love well done Japanese woodcuts.

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