The Shumei Arts Council of America will present “The Special World of Tomihiro Hoshino,” a watercolor exhibition of deeply moving poems and superbly wrought flower paintings, from Friday, March 7th, 2008 through Sunday, April 13th.

Inspired by nature’s simple truths, Tomohiro’s images and verse give a rare insight into the depths of misery he faced and eventually overcame when in 1970, at the age of 24, the artist was left paralyzed from the neck down. His work also allows a glimpse of the heights the human spirit can scale.

At first glance, it is hard to believe Tomohiro created his paintings by wielding a brush in his mouth, each stroke on paper brimming with hope, courage and an earnest joy of living. His poems help us to understand the depth and compassion of his thoughts as he faced life after his near-fatal accident.

His paintings and verses are magical and display unique harmony on paper. His simple, understandable poems, inspired by natural beauty, create a world of their own, to which we are transported by the touch of his watercolor brush. Through viewing his paintings, we receive messages of the joy of life and the courage to live. This is his precious gift to us all.

Shumei Hall Gallery.

Shumei Arts, 2430 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena. (626) 584-8841.  Website: |www.shumeiarts.org/events.html   Open: Mondays through Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Sundays, by appointment.  Cost: Free.