Manazar: Ode to Ryozo Kato

During World War II, Japanese Americans were interned in confinement camps. Manzanar, in the Owens Valley, is about 45 minutes from my house and is now a National Park. Staff archaeologist Jeff Burton, along with others—including some who were once confined there—has worked to uncover and preserve several of the water gardens. They feature the work of Ryozo Kato who often created "wood" out of concrete, complete with color and etched wood grain and knotholes. There is a glorious example at the site of the hospital and in many of the other gardens. Other examples that you can visit exist in Southern California. I honor him with this quilt.