Eastern Light is a collection of photographs that were taken during the period of time that I lived in Japan and traveled in Asia. This phase allowed me to not only acquaint myself with the people and work in design but also observe and explore the roots of my heritage and beyond. Most of the black & white images were taken using a 35 mm camera using Polaroid's PolaPan slide film. This instant film was introduced in 1983 but eventually discontinued by the late-1990s. Each roll came with the chemistry needed to develop a beautiful silver tone or high contrast color film positive, using Polaroid's special hand-crank developer.
Nao Sakamoto is an artist, poet, writer and conservator of the art and culture of washi. His shop Shi Ho Nao (Paper Nao), established in 1984, is located in the Bunkyo-ku district of Tokyo. It is an oasis of soul and artistry through the medium of handmade paper. This I discovered on a muggy summer day in 1988. On entering the shop there was a visceral connection to the material, artisan and the Paper Nao family. A kinship ensued that has transcended distance and time.
Nao san - Niigata, Japan
Nao san - Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Nao Sakamoto is an artist, poet, writer and conservator of the art and culture of washi. His shop Shi Ho Nao (Paper Nao), established in 1984, is located in the Bunkyo-ku district of Tokyo. It is an oasis of soul and artistry through the medium of handmade paper. This I discovered on a muggy summer day in 1988. On entering the shop there was a visceral connection to the material, artisan and the Paper Nao family. A kinship ensued that has transcended distance and time.