31 Jul / The East-West House: Noguchi’s Childhood in Japan by Christy Hale
Born in Los Angeles to a Scotch-Irish American mother, Leonie Gilmour, and a missing Japanese father, the young boy who would grow up to be Isamu Noguchi moved as toddler to Japan to join his estranged father. When Gilmour realized that the older Noguchi already had another family, she cut ties with her ex-lover, although mother and son remained in Japan. The young Isamu – whose name means ‘courageous’ – suffered through the taunts and discomforts of being hapa in a homogeneous country, and found great solace in the natural world … which would serve him well throughout his long career as an artist of many mediums.
On the coast of Chigasaki (known as the birthplace of Japanese surfing!) in Kanagawa Prefecture, mother and son finally created a true home together which the 8-year-old Noguchi helped design and build. Like Noguchi, his childhood home is a synergistic blend of east and west … and stands today as testament to a gifted young artist’s talent and tenacity.
Christy Hale tells Noguichi’s early-artist-as-a-young-boy-story with great tenderness, paying careful attention to the special bond he shared with his mother. Hale’s depictions of Leonie’s nurturing looks, her protective arms, her quiet presence are testament to a mother’s unconditional love.
Tidbit: Christy Hale’s got a new YouTube video about her title, including an inside look at her artistic process. Who knew business envelope liners could make such great kimono patterns! Click here to view it. WOW!
Readers: Children
Published: 2009
Sounds like a very interesting book. I’m not sure the details you’ve provided are entirely accurate.
In particular, I don’t believe Isamu was eight at the time of their house’s construction. Also, it’s incorrect to call him Noguchi, particularly at this point in his life. As a child he went by Isamu Gilmour. I’m not sure if these inaccuracies are present in this book.
I can’t wait to see the book.
Yes, I did get the age from the book: “Only eight, Isamu drew up plans to make a small, distinctive house.” And yes, you are right that Noguchi did not claim his estranged father’s family name until in his late teens “which signified a feeling of reconnection with his artistic roots in Japan” [also from book], but I use it here because that is the name by which he is known throughout the world.
East-West House is indeed an interesting book, and I think presented at just the right level to introduce young readers to a famous person’s childhood, highlighting experiences — bullying, feelings of not belonging, finding solace in nature, his special bond with his mother — that will undoubtedly resonate with today’s children. Do check it out … and share it with a child or two or three.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. Do come back again soon.
Isamu was eight when Leonie gave birth to his half-sister, Ailes. Leonie placated Isamu by having him design this house. You can refer to THE LIFE OF ISAMU NOGUCHI: JOURNEY WITHOUT BORDERS by Masayo Duus for more information about the construction of the house.
Also, he is only referred to as Isamu in the picture book story. In the backmatter biographical material, his decision to take the name Noguchi is discussed.
Hope you enjoy the book!
I want to read this book!
And then you’ll definitely want to check out the Noguchi Museum afterwards. After that, certainly the East-West House itself in Japan. Ikimashyo!
I had the great fortune to see a copy of this book. It is beautifully done and well worth purchasing. The subject, content and presentation are first-rate.
Author Christy Hale will be glad to hear your comments for sure! Thanks for coming back to check in, too!