Just back to the Bay Area returning from Tokyo, today was Sumi-e Stopover # 2 at the famed and magical REVERIE with Internet Icon and Visionary Craig Newmark, Founder Craigslist.org. Craig is one of 12 distinguished honorees part of my whirlwind journey around the globe, "Around the World in a Single Stroke." Under the crisp California sky, Craig's distinctive voice circled and encircled the themes of ENSO 2007. Riffing with Craig in a digital jam session on Sumi-e, technology, customer service, and Zen was something that will continue to inspire and creatively provoke me. In our dialogue, his powerful sense of integrity and commitment to serve came through in each phrase and unspoken space. I shared my vision for the ENSO as a gesture of peace propelled around the globe, fueled only by imagination and passion. He responded by saying that Craigslist is driven by the millions of users who shape it each day, collectively making the world a better place. Although his contributions to the Internet are staggering, he himself is a quiet and understated person. He truly wants to help leave everybody better off. Our conversation culminated in a special presentation of a magnum of the limited edition Au Bon Climat Around the World Pinot Noir by Master Vintner Jim Clendenen. The Sumi-e Stopover was concluded by the Signing Ceremony of the matte of the original painting. Craig is signing around 3:00 on this "celestial clock" because he is always up, coding, fighting the bad guys, serving, and working at these wee hours. For photos see Craig Photo Gallery 1, Craig Photo Gallery 2, Craig Photo Gallery 3

For photos see

Global Launch Photo Gallery 1
Global Launch Photo Gallery 2
Global Launch Photo Gallery 3
Global Launch Photo Gallery 4
Global Launch Photo Gallery 5
Global Launch Photo Gallery 6

Backstage with Nakamura Tokizo V at National Theater of Japan Photos here

Our driver arrives promptly in the hotel lobby to escort us to the cabernet hued sedan of the Nakagawa Wine Co., Ltd. With gold wood flute on board, and everything set, I’m whisked into the heart of Tokyo traffic, at one with the way it breathes and moves. Our driver skillfully navigates through a sea of beautiful lights. Shimmering billboards cascade in light dissolves. Insistent pulsating lights ask--What is the tempo of Tokyo? Light skips across the tiny copper threads woven across the softest sea foam chiffon of the Malandrino dress chosen for the evening. And in the back of the sedan--wrapped with the utmost care are the magnums of Around the World Pinot Noir riding comfortably in the inky darkness. As Jim Clendenen had said he was glad to have over 3 months to give the wine time to rest---“Drue this wine is poised to travel around the world.” Suddenly it’s time for the right turn into the majestic Nomura Fudosan building and we disappear into the cavernous underground parking.

As a child I remember Sunday walks in the Imperial Palace. Stepping back in time I immersed myself in the beauty of the grounds at the remains of the castle tower. Had to stop by the Palace Hotel to buy an impromptu umbrella as the November drizzle caught me in its cool embrace. Pausing before the majestic moat, gates, walls and guardhouses, under the mist and grey sky was a Sumi-e experience. Hardly any people and everything in subtle shades of ink punctuated by the birds plaintive cries ---who almost sounded like they wanted to convey the historical secrets.

Meeting in my suite with Akiko Kaneko. We enjoy a lovely tea overlooking Tokyo and talked of our mutual interest in fashion and Catherine Malandrino, and important trends in the Asian market.

A quiet moment in the hotel before a jam-packed day in Tokyo, but one of the few non-performance days. Pausing as Tokyo swirls by, perfectly polished taxis swish by outside, and the captivating rhythm of thought traffic ebbs and flows.

Arriving Early for Soundcheck for my first performance in Tokyo-- an event in partnership with Sotokoto Magazine, the world's first Eco-Fashion magazine, which covers Cuisine, Wine, Art, Fashion, and Culture from the LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) perspective. The emphasis on a SLOW approach to cuisine, art and life in direct contrast to FAST as embodied by the fast-paced, fast-food, over-processed, mass-produced culture resonates greatly with me.

One of the themes of Around the World in a Single Stroke is celebrating remarkable individuals who craft, create, shape or nurture each note, each grape, each structure, each sound, each idea with such care, that they adhere to the internal rules of time of their creation, not the super-imposed pulse of the marketplace.

Outside there is a giant display of this month's magazine cover and many small versions jauntily arranged in rows. This month's issue features a page with my original wine label inside. A sign outside announces the special evening. Wrapped in a stylish crimson scarf, Ichizo Nakagawa of the Nakagawa Wine Co., Ltd. is hosting the extraordinary evening. Kumiho Nakagawa welcomes me into the beautiful setting.

For tonight's performance, I chose to reflect a sense of texture and connectedness with the earth. I am wearing a magnificent soft chocolate mohair cardigan sent from Paris just for this performance, the Cicada top in Ash, and shimmering pants in wheat. For the World Tour I am wearing exclusively Catherine Malandrino, the timeless designer who is also one of the distinguished honorees.

Mr. Nakagawa caps the glorious evening by offering a blind test to all these guests with the most discerning of palettes. Who can guess which wine he is pouring? What is the reward? 3 bottles of Jim Clendenen's Pinot Noir for which I created the Mission of Santa Barbara stand behind him bathed in the glowing Sotokoto light waiting to be awarded to the winners! After much swirling, tasting, and discussion, the guests each hand in their cards and Mr. Nakagawa carefully studies results. 3 winners are chosen and one by one in a special ceremony each is honored as I sign the wine for them and it is beautifully wrapped for them.

Photos of the Performance with Sotokoto can be seen here

First night of Around the World Tour in Tokyo and I pause between a wall of clocks, each one shaped like the ENSO of course. Weighing and balancing time like a brush stroke.

After a smooth flight into Narita International Airport I return to Tokyo, the city of my birth. At customs when the agent inquires about what I am declaring, I simply respond “A Sumi-e Painting” and he immediately waves me through.

Departing from San Francisco International Airport this morning. We deliver our precious cargo---the box wrapped with great care with the original painting ENSO 2007 to Oversize Baggage for special check-in. On this voyage I am reflecting on the ENSO in limitless ways and dimensions. It occurred to me the ENSO is reminiscent of a pearl, one of the most refined round forms. Adding to the metaphor is the elaborate packing around the painting. Like a pearl the painting itself is nestled in layers of the highest grade grey foam!