Designed with Japanese aesthetics, Iwasawa Oriental Art is an immersive experience. Taking center stage, a tatami mat is set with tea ceremony utensils. Curated antiques, some several centuries old, are displayed throughout in glass cabinets.
One wall features an impressive collection of abstract paintings by artist, James Ong. Blending antiques and contemporary art is a little unusual, yet with proprietor Kumiko Iwasawa’s discerning eye and artistic flair, the two meld seamlessly.
Ong grew up in the US, after immigrating from Taiwan as a young child. For decades, he worked as an engineer while dreaming of being an artist. Tiring of the tech grind, Ong decided to paint his own path. He traded engineering for art.
“When I was starting out, it shocked me that people wanted to buy my paintings,” he said. “It’s always good to meet the buyers and ask them why they buy it, and why it affects them. I’m grateful to Kumiko and her belief in me, for the opportunity to show my art.”
Perched at the entrance is a wooden fukurou—an owl good luck charm—warding off misfortune and hardship. Judging by the success of the current abstract installation, “California Dreams,” I’d say the fukurou is a keeper.
Ong’s work is influenced by Zen Buddhism, as well as Japanese art and design.
“Creating art is a form of meditation. When I’m painting, nothing else is on my mind. The world goes away,” he said. “I’m focused on what I feel when I see the colors on the surface. Sometimes they end up dark. There’s a story coming out.”
Like any artist, Ong has his preferences, painting with Golden brand acrylic, and Holbein Acrylic Gouache.
“I’ve mainly used acrylic so I can build layers,” he said. “If I wait for it to dry, that moment is gone; it changes the field.”
Iwasawa’s art piece of the month, “California Dreaming” features a layered kaleidoscope of neon color, reminiscent of a serene sunset.
“When I finished this piece, I saw surfers. It’s a California dream. Bright sunny days relaxing on a beach overlooking blue waters,” he said, gesturing at his painting.
Ong is a modest man, so Iwasawa chimed in, “It’s impossible not to feel happy when looking at this piece.”
Iwasawa removes “Rainbow Eucalyptus Dreams” from the wall, demonstrating how Ong’s work can be displayed horizontally or vertically.
I’m secretly relieved by the principle, given that I admittedly hung a decorative pinboard in my living room without a clue as to which way was up or down.
“My daughters bought my first pieces,”Ong said. “They still have the paintings, and they’re still some of my favorites.”
It wasn’t long until other art enthusiasts caught on. Ong has built an impressive resume across the Bay. And he hasn’t stopped there. His work has been featured in galleries in Colorado and Arizona.
(Courtesy of James Ong)
In addition, Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery, located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, commissioned him to create a label for their 2021 Upper Ridge Vineyard Tempranillo. Priced at $58 per bottle, it’s an affordable piece of art for a small scale space.
And local restaurant Chez Philippe has installed five art pieces, so guests can get a taste of Ong’s work while enjoying French cuisine.
Having attained his own dream, Ong now encourages others to pursue theirs. To seize the moment.
“We can plan for the future, we can regret the past, but life is happening right now,” he said. “I hope my paintings have people take a moment to slow down, make their own art.”
Ong measures success by creating his paintings on his own terms. In the future, he’d like to add 3D objects to his work, such as construction toys and wooden blocks in interactive installations.
Ong has plenty of wisdom to impart to aspiring artists.
“You have to learn to trust yourself and develop a sense and sensibility,” he said. “Don’t compare yourself to others. Each person is on their own path. Measure your progress with your older artworks. Keep learning, experimenting, observing. Paint for yourself, focus on the process…the end result will surprise you…in a good way…hopefully.”
So, how should one choose art?
(Courtesy of Imagery Estate Winery)
“I think art chooses the person,” he said. “When it grabs you, it makes you experience something. That’s the influence that art has on you, reminding you of a place or childhood.”
Before leaving, I took a moment to meditate over Ong’s piece, “Journey to Nirvana.” I saw gold capped-mountains—hard work paid off. In the distance, a steeper range rises, yet to be conquered. And for Ong, it seems the only way is up.
