Ibuki’s father, George Matsusaburo Hibi (1886-1947) helped to establish art schools in Tanforan and Topaz. He was well versed in Western art techniques such as charcoal drawing and oil painting. Ibuki enjoyed following her father’s lead in subject matter, so if he was sketching a mountain, she drew the mountain as well.
She also recalled this colorful sundress which her mother, Hisako Hibi, saved for many years. Ibuki said that when they learned of the eventual closing of Topaz, Mrs. Hibi gathered many of these sketches on newsprint and saved them as well.
“The sketch is of me—I always followed my parents wherever they roamed… My father drew the watercolor sketch… I know his style of broad firm strong strokes.”
–Ibuki Hibi Lee, 7 or 8 years old at the time
About the contributor: Ibuki Hibi Lee was born in 1937 in Oakland, CA. Her parents, George Matsusaburo and Hisako Hibi, were both fine artists. Her family was evacuated to Tanforan horse stalls in May 1942 and then to Topaz. After the War, they relocated to New York City. Ibuki’s father died of cancer in 1947. Ibuki attended college in California, then returned to New York to work, married, and eventually had five children. Ibuki is retired and lives in California.
Copyright 2016, Ibuki Hibi Lee. All rights reserved.