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We passed the hues of the last sunset of 2013 and its colours transcended to first dawn of 2014.  Arts & Education  continues on the path of artistic stimulation, constant discoveries and a creative journey. We would like to take this opportunity to showcase the editor's picks for the year, and to thank our readers for their continued support. Wish you all a blessed 2014. ❏ Intarsia - Painting with wood The atmosphere under the crisp Caribbean sunshine at Barbados Crop Over craft market was reminiscent of fun and frolic. Tucked away from the excitement, Mario Smith displayed the intarsia art he creates. Necessity is the mother of all invention, it is said, and Smith, who worked as a joiner - making doors, windows, and kitchen cupboards - had to stay home after his son was born. ❏ Art of Sushi - The edible Zen garden It's as austere as its land of origin, yet complex and intriguing, pressed, meticulously laid out, rolled and neatl...

It’s as austere as its land of origin, yet complex and intriguing ­ pressed, meticulously laid out, rolled and neatly cut ­ Sushi is often referred to as a Zen garden, savoured not only by the taste buds but its neatness, presentation and colours are relished by the eyes. “Making sushi, like any other Japanese tradition, is made with utmost care, love and perfection,” said Yasuo Takase, ambassador of Japan in Jamaica. The ambassador’s resident chef Mitsuki Inoue gave a first-hand demonstration of turning nature’s abundant delights into an intricate, delectable platter. Chef Mitsuki Inoue Transforming the kitchen into a sacred meditation space, the process taking one’s senses to a divine level. Chef Inoue laid out the ingredients - the vinegar rice, from which the dish derives its name, sushi ­ dried seaweed, an assortment of fish in various tints, wasabi paste, a mat on which to assemble the dish and a container of vinegar water. “The rice used in the Japan is unique to ...

Cocoro Japanese Restaurant , originally uploaded by AmitabhS . Sushi spread at Cocoro Japanese Restaurant, Kingston, Jamaica