BILL MARTIN - Mendocino Art Center

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the other pieces of the process. It was during this stay in Japan that Walt began to discover that he was falling in love – with a place, with a culture. His connection with Japan was to continue to grow. A woman he met during that time showed him a small book of Hiroshige’s prints of the Tokaido, made in the 1830’s. This was another significant hint in his odyssey, which led him further down his path. The Tokaido was the Eastern sea route from what is now Tokyo to Kyoto, dating from the time of the Emperors. In the 1600’s, 53 stations were built along its 310-mile route. Many artists over the centuries have depicted, in their own way, the series of stations. Walt now decided that he would return to Japan the following year to travel this route himself, and create his own interpretation of the Tokaido series. And so he did. Spending two months on his Mt. Fuji (appropriately enough) mountain bike, with camping gear and tent (at times enjoying the hospitality of the local Japanese people he met, curious and appreciative of this American traveler who seemed to have such a great respect for their culture), he traveled the length of the Tokaido and back, recording the images that would become the source of inspiration for much of his work for years and years to come. At this point, Walt still had no awareness of Bill Zacha, the founder of the Mendocino Art Center, and of the similar fascination they shared in visiting this ancient landscape, and in depicting its beauty. Though, as we spoke on the phone, Walt commented that the signed (by Bill and Jennie) copy of Tokaido Journey was right there by him – pored over and closely studied through the years. It was in 1985 that Walt heard about Bill Zacha and his Tokaido series. Zacha was to give a lecture in San Francisco; Walt made the trip to attend. There was just that one contact all those years before, and ever since, a seed of desire to come and be a part of the Mendocino Art Center. Sometimes the pursuit of a goal takes us on a long and circuitous route, and requires of us much patience to finally see something come to fruition. I find I am very touched by this story and its farreaching connections, and feel happy to welcome Walt Padgett to the Mendocino Art Center. I only wish Bill Zacha were still here, so that the two of them could catch up. Please join us on Friday evening, Oct. 10th, at 7pm, for a very special hour and a half. As a prelude to the ‘Second Saturday’ opening of the show, Walt will be sharing with us a documentary slideshow presentation on the traditional process of Japanese woodblock printing: an educational and inspiring look at the history of the Tokaido, weaving photos of its landscape and architecture with the work of the early printmakers who depicted its beauty, Sekino and Hiroshige. His presentation has been enthusiastically received at the Portland Art Museum, the Berkeley Art Center, the Japanese Garden in Portland, and many other centers for the arts. We are, indeed, fortunate for this opportunity, so mark your calendars now! 25
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Page 1 and 2: Cover Feature BILL MARTIN - A Visio
Page 3 and 4: Seashells Bill is the author of thr
Page 5 and 6: There Is Always Something Happening
Page 7 and 8: Jeff Hillier’s Eloquent Eye “Al
Page 9 and 10: Linda Shearin Photo by Larry Wagner
Page 11 and 12: Fort Bragg A Great Place to Shop 16
Page 13 and 14: GALLERY CONTEMPORARY ART Painting
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Page 17 and 18: Fort Bragg Rent-All & Party Works E
Page 19: Walt Padgett by Michele Ketterer 24
Page 23 and 24: Mendocino County Gallery Guide FIRS
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BILL MARTIN - Mendocino Art Center

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