The Lost Sketches of Topaz

A middle-aged gentleman sits hunched before an easel, painting. The small barrack has a pot-bellied stove and is cluttered with jugs and pots of paint. Clothes hang from a clothesline, artwork hangs on a wall, and canvases sit on the floor, leaning against the wall.
The Artist, Mr. Kawakami, at Work. © Ella Honderich. Photo of original sketch. Courtesy of Valerie Honderich and the Japanese American National Museum (Gift of Daisy Satoda Uyeda, 2000.151.30).
The interior of a barrack with rows of concrete tubs, pipes; one woman is washing clothes, another bathing a baby.
The Washroom. © Ella Honderich. Copy of photo. Courtesy of Valerie Honderich and the National Archives #210-CT-12-T-701 (not yet digitized), Still Picture Branch, MD.

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3 thoughts on “The Lost Sketches of Topaz
  1. Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your story about your grandmother. She was very good at portraying life in Topaz; her artistry was superb. Hope her other artwork can be found somewhere.

    I was 7, going on 8, the year we were interned. I do remember some things, but not all. So every artwork/photos help to bring back some memory of that era.

    In the meantime, Happy New Year and all the best for 2024. — jun, san francisco, ca

    1. Thank you for the kind words Jun. I appreciate you reading and commenting on the story and am happy to have been able to share with the help of Topaz Stories.

      My mother was just a baby and my grandparents have past. It’s so nice to hear from someone that experienced it first hand. It’s so important to remember, understand and share so it never happens again.

      Have a wonderful New Year-

  2. Cynthia, this is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing your and your family’s experience and relationship with the Topaz internment camps. Your daughters look very happy to be at this amazing exhibit.

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