January 1, 2011

Over the course of the past months, a number of significant changes have occurred – I have found a new and significant “second home” in Davenport Iowa. This has led to some exciting changes in my work, both in its exposure and its creation. This has brought me to reconsider this section of my web-site, including the following:

• I am dropping the designation “suiseki.” My works are not, nor have they been suiseki for the past decade or more. While I have little doubt that the Japanese “suiseki aesthetes” whom I respect, would appreciate the “suiseki spirit” in my contemporary stone pieces; however, the term suiseki remains more appropriate for traditional stone pieces with the classical daiza supporting them. While the stones and many of the salient properties of suiseki remain in place, the wood dimension of my art has evolved considerably.
• I will identify my work as being “ART in STONE.” These are three dimensional works of sculptural art in stone and wood.
• As of this writing, I have sold none of my art; however, at this time, I have decided to move away from this – my work is available from three locations – Davenport, Iowa City, Iowa and Columbus, Ohio. In Iowa City the works can be seen at the Tomas Lasanky Studio and Gallery; and by appointment at the other two locations. (E-mail or contact me by phone.) As has long been the case, I find it distasteful to exchange my pieces for money. I have had some success and satisfaction in exchanging my pieces for works of art.
• Much of the work that I have created during the past decade is available.
• I have secured a new source of stone stock for my Art in Stone. This is of crucial importance, because from the beginning of the history of suiseki, acquiring the highest quality of stone materials has always been essential. This has been taken to the extreme, such that many “purists” would argue that the geology sufficient for suiseki cannot be found outside the Japanese islands. The absurdity here is exceeded only by the myth that significant, artistic viewing stones can only be created in the classic tradition and in Japan.
• A crucial force for me during the past six months has been Jacki Olson (jackiolson.com), who is both a fabulous artists, a good friend and an impressive promoter. My works are on display in Jacki's studio and gallery in the Bucktown Art Center in Davenport.