Happy New Year Wishes From Atelier Kato Tokyo
Farewell Year of the Dragon…
It felt as if one swept through our lives last year!
Following reflective conversations and much needed catch-ups over the winter holiday, it seems as if we’re not the only ones who dealt with swings and roundabouts in 2024.
You know how I deal with such things… When In Doubt, Draw! Grateful for the opportunity presented by Tokyo International Players to paint this backdrop for their fantastic production of the Tempest (thank you Jack and Shinji at Our Space, Hatagaya!) and got it finished in a couple of weekends – that’s how much I needed to paint out of my system (better out than in as they say).
What’s your: When In Doubt, …………….?
(psst! you know I’ve been painting BIG since the 90’s and love nothing more! So if you’re in need of a backdrop or…)
Read on to find out about our new project MURAL MAGIC below 🙂
info@divyamariekato.com
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Welcome, Year of the Snake!
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A Year Of Transformation
Some people have words for the year, others set goals… I’m thinking about shedding! And wide, open roads..
What do you need to shed this year?
What’s your word for the year or would you rather not?!
When facing the next crossroad, how do you decide which path to take?
Back in 2016, I started a project called Drawing For Stories. I’d share a drawing and if anyone wanted it, they’d share something in return: a story about a tough time and how they got through it. I’d send them the drawing in the post. It was a beautiful exchange that reached much further than I thought possible. All the way to 2025.
As a full time working mama, currently completing postgrad studies (glutton for punishment anyone?!) arriving at a new crossroads in life, I’ve returned to these stories.
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Launching… Mural Magic!
Reflecting on the collaborative murals we’ve created over the years, these have been the most meaningful pieces, because they involved many different hands, hearts and minds coming together.
These large-scale, ambitious, vibrant, collaborative murals brought together members of each community, unifying their mark making into masterpieces bringing energy, dynamism and inspiration to blank spaces. They champion hope and form an eclectic testament to what it means to work together.
I found a cool article by the Royal Drawing School embracing this idea too (see below).
A picture is worth a thousand words…
Having taught art for twenty years, I can:
- design a programme around your time frame involving the whole team
- plan and provide a draft of the mural (reflecting vision / values)
- PAINT!
- Document the process with photography/time lapse video
So if you have an idea for a wall, get in touch and let’s make it happen!
info@divyamariekato.com
Divya x
ps! large scale backdrops are my jam! (or anything over 5m…), let me know!
Read The Royal Drawing School Article: The Power Of The Mural Here
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Drawing In 2025
The visible work is on the paper. The invisible work is in yourself.
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WHEN IN DOUBT DRAW
Artist Divya Marie Kato’s most popular, signature, five part drawing course, available in person at Atelier Kato Tokyo. We’re proud that our small, family-run home/drawing school/art atelier is the official choice for English speaking drawing classes in Tokyo.
WHAT’S WHEN IN DOUBT, DRAW?
Divya’s flagship art programme, distilled from 20 years of teaching people how to draw, is designed to give you all you need to build a strong foundation in drawing – even if it has been a while or you really think you can’t!
5 STEP FOUNDATION COURSE
In 5 classes, accompanied by drawing exercises, artists and art history, art materials, downloadable PDFs and an ever growing resource area, Divya will guide you through the process she’s developed over 20 years working as an artist and educator.
WHY WHEN IN DOUBT, DRAW?
You’ll find Divya’s approach different than traditional art courses. How? Head on over to Divya’s website to find out more and don’t take her word for it, check out the reviews – she passionately believes that drawing is for everyone and that everyone can!
CLASSES & ENQUIRIES
info@divyamariekato.com
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*** Registration Open For Summer / Autumn 2025 ***
Registration is now open for When In Doubt, Draw in 2025 – our most popular, 5 part, signature drawing foundation programme that Divya distilled from 20 years of teaching people how to draw.
Divya has taught students from all over the world, aged 5-75 – you can and you will!
Email us and we’ll let you know as soon as a space becomes available.
info@divyamariekato.com
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Giving Back: Buy Art, Bring Hope
With the little ones in tow, we’re not able to get to many events these days and missed the one and only REI (Refugee Empowerment International) Gala last year, so… welcome to our Fundraising Auction!
30% of all sales to be donated to Refugees Empowerment International.
Click on the link below for the Auction PDF.
Email with the title of the painting and your bid.
Enquiries: info@divyamariekato.com
Year of the Dragon Summer Auction PDF
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Stay in touch!
Take care and we wish you a wonderful year ahead,
Divya, Masa, Ollie & Jojo Kato
Atelier Kato Tokyo
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Divya Marie Kato, Atelier Kato Tokyo
Artist, Drawing Teacher, Visual Arts Specialist (Preschools, International Schools, University, Community & Corporations), Creator, When In Doubt, Draw drawing programme, Founder, Atelier Kato Tokyo and The Award-Winning Big Draw Japan. Paris-born, London-raised, Tokyo-based, British Indian artist and educator working in Japan since 2005.
Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, Companion of The Guild of St. George and passionate advocate of drawing (and dragons).
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Drawing For Work, Life & Play
Drawing Classes, Atelier Kato Tokyo | INFO
The Big Draw Japan Drawing Festival | INFO
Art For Hope Stories | INFO
Divya’s Portfolio | INFO
Services | INFO
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info@divyamariekato.com
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Navigating the sudden loss of my father and welcoming our newest arrival exactly a year later, has certainly taken us on a ride and… we’re still going!
