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PHOTO BY MORGAN ROOT

BLENDING. Two cultures blend into one in the artwork of Chiyo Sanada, which is on display at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center.

Modern American culture and Japanese and Chinese tradition meet in art

By Morgan Root

The small one-room gallery of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is decorated with Japanese calligraphy artwork. The bright colors immediately draw attention to the artwork lining the wall. The artwork is part of an exhibit the APCC is putting together featuring the work of Chiyo Sanada.

Sanada was born in Hiroshima, Japan, and studied both Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. She moved to the United States in 2000 and began having her artwork displayed in Seattle and Tacoma.

"I try to combine the contemporary and the traditional," Sanada noted. "American people can't read Japanese writing, but their first impression of the art is usually correct. The colors add to help people understand the meaning. It's a mix of Japanese calligraphy with American culture."

The artwork is colorful acrylic paint on a canvas and a word written in the Japanese or Chinese calligraphy. The inspiration came when Sanada came to United States and saw the mixed media artwork and she began to combine the mixed media with the calligraphy.

"Sometimes I write in Japanese, sometimes Chinese. I combine both, blend the color together, it's fun," Sanada explained.

Sanada has had her work displayed in Seattle and in her hometown of Hiroshima and has designed the logo for a Japanese karate company. This exhibit at APCC is her second exhibit in Tacoma.

"It's much easier to get your art out in Japan now," Sanada said. "Seven years ago it wasn't as easy. Now lots of young people do shows. Calligraphy has become very popular in Japan."

In addition to calligraphy and sumi paintings, Sanada also does commercial work. She creates made-to-order pieces of interior art. She also creates one-of-a-kind T-shirts and has done package design for bottle labels.

"I would like to design for skateboards or snowboards," Sanada commented.

Although most people are unable to read what it written on the canvases of the pieces, that does not make the art any less moving. The mix of colors is blended to create an emotion for the viewer.

The APCC selected Sanada to be an artist featured at the gallery when Executive Director Phil Chang stumbled across her work.

"She does a lot of modern things," Chang remarked. "She studied Japanese and Chinese calligraphy and she also does commercial work."

The APCC has one artist's work on display per month. It features artists who create Asian art or are of Asian descent.

"It's an avenue for artists to show their work," Chang said. "It gives the opportunity to established and emerging artists."

Chiyo Sanada's work will be displayed at the APCC from Aug. 16-Sept. 17. For more information, visit www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org. Sanada has artwork available for purchase on her web site at www.chiyosanada.com and can be contacted to do made-to-order pieces, as well.

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