Persimmon Tree is pleased to honor the artist Mayumi Oda in this Spring 2008 issue. Mayumi’s strong, vibrant silk screens have enthralled many of us through the decades, and her sense of humor has amused us. As a Buddhist, she brings a fresh perspective to the tradition, transforming male Bodhisattvas into vibrant female images of wisdom and power. As a woman, she shows women’s vitality and imagination. Her use of color is brilliant, her style expansive.

Not only has Mayumi continued to create art in her lifetime, but she has combined her work with political activism. With humility, grace, and humor, she has dedicated herself to making the world a better, safer world for all. For this, we also honor her.

Woman Calendar (September Afternoon), 1971

Woman Calendar (Time), 1971

Storyville I, 1974

Storyville IV, 1974

Samantabhadra (On a Bicycle), 1980

Manjusri (On a Bicycle), 1980

Goddess Give Us the Strength to Get Through, 1983

Green Gulch Seed Catalog: Purple Cabbage, 1980

My Garden, 1981

Coral Diver, 1985