Meher McArthur

Passion, Art, and Identity: A Multicultural Memoir of Finding One's Place in the WorldIn this engaging memoir, Japanese art historian and curator Meher McArthur transports you into the extraordinary world of Japanese art — from ceramics, swords, prints and textiles to Buddhist art, folk painting, contemporary art and animation. One artwork and one language lesson at a time, we follow McArthur as she unspools a compelling narrative of curiosity and inspiration, personal and cultural growth, with heartbreak and resilience. This book will provide avid art lovers new ways of seeing and understanding the power of art, not only to inspire but to illuminate one's place in the world. The author presents her art memoir in three parts:Discovering and LearningGrowing up in a small Scottish town as a multiracial child, McArthur often felt culturally out of place. Encouraged by her Persian and Scottish parents to embrace a global identity, she studied Japanese at Cambridge, eventually moving to Japan—where she fell in love with its language, temples, ceramics, and art traditions. Just as she found her passion, family upheaval challenged her sense of direction. Becoming a CuratorWith a master's degree in Japanese art, McArthur forged a path as a museum curator in California, organizing exhibitions on folk art, sake, ceramics, and Buddhist calligraphy—while learning the rhythms of museum life and starting a family. Curating Beyond the MuseumStepping away from the museum world, she became an independent curator, exploring new creative territory through origami, anime, and contemporary art—discovering fresh ways to connect with audiences and with herself. Spanning continents and cultures, this is both an inspiring art memoir and a resonant reflection on cultural belonging. McArthur's story offers a warm, generous vision of how art can illuminate identity and bridge difference—inviting readers to fall in love with Japanese art and culture, and to embrace the idea that there's no single way to belong in the world.

Teaches crafters how to make and use a gorgeous material for extra enjoyment in knitting, crocheting, and weaving: paper yarn. “Ancient techniques for a contemporary application. A must have for every artist who works with paper. Informative and very inspirational!” --Anna van Bohemen, fiber artist Explore Japanese paper yarn to add new dimensions to your favorite fiber crafts like knitting, crocheting, macrame, weaving, or mixed media. Textile artist Andra F. Stanton focuses you on a fresh perspective: crafting with paper yarn instead of expected yarns of wool or cotton. • Beginning with its deep roots in Japan, learn about paper yarn's rich versatility. • With simple instructions, make your own paper yarn from a sheet of kozo paper. • Try 12 inspiring projects, from beginner-friendly pulped paper weaving to a more-experienced-level knitted scarf. Then you're ready to use paper yarn to take your own favorite crafts in new directions. Throughout, enjoy photos of works by dozens of the contemporary artists who have brought paper yarn to the West's galleries and museums of the 21st century. Whatever your crafting level, this is an accessible resource, blending history, instructions, and artistic inspiration. Elevate your making with the tranquility of a traditional process that is perfect for mindful crafting.

Historically, washi paper has been used as a base for Japanese calligraphy, painting, and printmaking as well as a material in architecture, religious ritual and clothing. In recent years, contemporary Japanese artists have turned this supple yet sturdy paper into a medium for expressing their artistic vision – layering, weaving, dyeing, shredding, folding, or cutting the paper to form abstract sculptures, lyrical folding screens, highly textured wall pieces, and dramatic installations. This elegantly designed volume examines the extraordinary creations of these diverse contemporary artists from Japan, France, and the United States. The publication also demonstrates the resilience, versatility, and unique stature of this ancient artistic medium in the realm of international contemporary art. Published to accompany a travelling exhibition: Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, PA October 10, 2021 – January 2, 2022 Longmont Museum, Longmont, CO January 28, 2022 – May 15, 2022 D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield Museums, Springfield, MA June 11, 2022 - September 4, 2022 Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, FL November 3, 2022 - April 2, 2023

**Winner of the 2017 Florence Temko Innovation Award** This origami art book features the work of 25 contemporary master folders who are among the most innovative origami artists working today. They are pushing the boundaries of origami vigorously in new directions concerning style, scale, materials, subject and scope. This elite group includes: Joel Cooper Erik Demaine and Martin Demaine Paul Jackson Beth Johnson Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander Robert J. Lang Linda Mihara Bernie Peyton Richard Sweeney And many more… The stunning photos and brilliant essays in this book demonstrate why origami is now an international art movement—largely through the efforts and artistic genius of a few contemporary masters. The trailblazing efforts of Japanese artist Akira Yoshizawa elevated the paper folding to an art form by showing how subtle shapes and figures could be created from a single sheet of paper through a variety of non-traditional folding techniques. Artists in other parts of the world—including the United States, France, England, China and Scandinavia—took Yoshizawa's cue and pushed these techniques further and further. The result has been the emergence of many new and surprising sculptural forms created through methods such as wet folding, curved creasing, tessellating and the application of alternative materials besides paper. The stunning photography and interesting information on artists, exhibitions and inspirations, makes this the perfect coffee table book or gift for any art lover.

This beautiful origami art book is a collection of the best contemporary pieces from some of the worlds most renowned papercraft artists. Thanks to pioneering masters such as Dr. Robert J. Lang, origami has transcended its humble roots as a traditional Japanese papercraft to take its place among the global fine arts. In Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami, Dr. Lang and Asian art curator Meher McArthur chronicle origami's remarkable evolution and showcases the widespread applications of paper folding solutions in the fields of contemporary mathematics, engineering, design, and the international peace movement. Based around a groundbreaking museum show by the same name, Folding Paper features the work of more than forty leading origami artists from around the world. It traces the development of paper folding in both the East and the West, recognizing the global influences on this international art form. Now in the early twenty-first century, origami is a sophisticated fine art form consisting of many different styles, from representational to geometric, abstract, and even conceptual. It has become a symbol of peace, an inspiration for engineers, and a conduit for scientific advancement. Featured origami artists include: Brian Chan Erik Joisel Erik and Martin Demaine Tomoko Fuse Daniel Kwan Michael LaFosse Jeannine Moseley Akira Yoshizawa Combining Dr. Lang's and McArthur's illuminating narrative history with lavish color photographs of more than sixty breathtaking works—from Joel Cooper's haunting Cyrus mask to Linda Tomoko Mihara's delicate Crane Cube to Eric Joisel's lifelike Pangolin model—Folding Paper is an enthralling introduction to the contemporary art of paper folding.

Scholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country's history, the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land. The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China's rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure. Beyond its profound influence on the culture and history of East Asia, Confucianism has also exerted a powerful fascination for western thinkers and philosophers. Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.

Whether it's weaving or making pottery or working on your computer or turning junk into something unexpected and wonderful, 'An ABC of What Art Can Be' is an invitation to look around and think creatively-outside the boring box. After all, "A is for artist, creator of art, Making all sorts of things with the hands and the heart." The playful rhymes and dazzling collages are reminders that each of us is unique and can produce a work of art that's equally unique. In this lively book readers will find an ABC that's unlike any other. It includes four pages of "fun stuff"– easy-to-do activities inspired by the text and illustrations. Ages four and up.

All the principal symbols, objects and figures of Buddhist worship in one rich, informative and easy-to-use guide. Essential reading for anyone with an interest in the arts and Buddhism. This book explores the complex imagery and teachings of Buddhism, whose iconography and symbolism can often seem as challenging as the search for enlightenment itself. After introducing the early history of Buddhism and its subsequent spread, Meher McArthur presents the main figures of worship – the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, protectors of the faith and historical personages – and explains their origins, characters and identifying features. Every major sign, symbol and ritual object of Buddhist worship is clearly described and illustrated in photographs and specially commissioned drawings which accompany and clarify the text. Subject names are given in all relevant languages (Sanskrit, Tibetan, Thai, Japanese, etc.) in standard English transcriptions. Including maps, a comprehensive glossary of key Buddhist terms and a well researched bibliography, this book will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and its art. There is also an overview of major Buddhist sites throughout the world.