My art residency in the city of Shiroishi (Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) lasted the entire month of April. Shiroishi (population approx. 35,000) struck me with its beauty and deep history. Among the topics that interested me were: the production of local Japanese paper shiroishi washi, from which even underwear used to be sewn; kura warehouse buildings; the traditions and culture of onsen (hot springs); and most importantly, this is the birthplace of the wooden dolls kokeshi. Over the course of this month, thanks to the organizers, I was able to witness firsthand the processes of making and dyeing paper, as well as to meet and interview the owners of a hot spring inn. The result was my exhibition on the residency grounds in a traditional Japanese building. I made a large mood board on the table, laying out drawings, sketches, and works. The main work was an art installation “Omosa to Omomi” (Weight and Heaviness), as well as a piece “The Nonexistent Photograph, the Existing Story,” which I gave as a gift to the owners of the Mogamiya ryokan. I also received warm feedback from members of the local association for the preservation of crafts in Shiroishi, and got to meet ceramic artists, kokeshi doll makers, calligraphers, shop owners, and many others. Special thanks to the organizers Sato Massanori and Nagai Kioka, who are passionate about their work—wonderful and creative people.