Tom Kurokawa’s exhibition is a collection of multiple media and tells a story of his lived experiences in Japan as well as his daydreams and of nostalgia. His ink and watercolor pieces display dreamy landscapes and structures of Japan long ago, and of his childhood memories of people and places. His images composed of cut paper and ink are an animated display of nature, animals, and characters, using his non-dominant writing hand to compose playful prose in non- traditional, free form calligraphy. Brush and Knife – I as a Duelist – is a showcase of wielding his tools of choice to tell the story of his life experiences and dreams. He is in a constant dialogue between his hands and his tools. Just as he has done as a Chef, taking people on a sensory journey of his culinary crafts on plates, Tom draws the audience into folklore and craft on paper at this special exhibit.

Born June 28, 1940, in Chiba Prefecture in Japan, Tom was surrounded by art at an early age. He helped his mother in their neighborhood eatery learning the art and craft of making food. He later attended an arts college studying calligraphy and graphic design. He became a trained chef and restaurateur of Japanese cuisine and worked in and developed dining establishments in many  locations including New Jersey, New York City, Italy, Russia and London. His love and passion for art has been the basis of his culinary creations for over 60 years and is oftentimes evident in the art he creates on paper. He is a husband and father of three, and a proud grandparent to a Brookline High School senior. Currently a Shrewsbury resident, Tom has lived in the US for the last 45 years, and he enjoys spending his time creating artwork and cooking for his family.