Kunio Takeuchi (Japan Fine Arts Institute) "Tokachi Dawn Light" ●Thoughts on Mountains It is said that the gods dwell in the mountains. People have revered, forgotten, and feared the mountains of their homeland. They knew when to sow seeds and when to harvest by observing the snow patterns remaining on the mountains. As a part of nature, people have lived by its blessings. In the northern regions with harsh natural conditions, it is even more impossible to survive by going against nature. Although I am now completely accustomed to city life, perhaps because of my childhood experience of eight years spent in a deep mountain village in Shinshu after the war, my feet are drawn north when it comes to landscape photography. Not to mention the mountains of Shinano, which I consider my hometown, the mountains of Tohoku and Hokkaido are beautiful and full of charm, no matter how many times I visit. The mountains in spring, enveloped in fresh greenery; in summer, with seas of clouds; in autumn, with vibrant colors; and in winter, becoming a monochrome of white. I always want to live honestly with nature. If I do, I believe that the gods of the mountains will kindly welcome even a silent person like me and, someday, allow me to paint a wonderful picture. Artist's Comments G0514