Point Reyes Light - December 24, 2003
Pt. Reyes artist Saijo, 81, son of immigrants, dies
By Larken Bradley
Well-known West Marin artist Gompers Saijo, whose vast body of work ranged in scope from ubiquitous California Native Plant Society botanical posters to watercolor painting and calligraphy, died Friday, Dec. 12, at his Walnut Place home, of complications from lung cancer. He was 81.
An exhibit of Mr. Saijo’s work at the Red Barn in Point Reyes Station a few years ago demonstrated his son Eric Saijo’s observation that, "he wasn’t afraid to change and explore new things."
In recent years, after meeting calligraphy artist Kimie Hayakawa, Mr. Saijo began to embrace his Japanese heritage, previously rejected, leading to new artistic expression in Japanese brush painting and calligraphy.
In his final years he compiled a book of his mother’s haiku, poems and essays, all written in Japanese, which had advanced to galley form at the time of his death.
Studies interrupted by war
Gompers Saijo was born in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 1922, to Japanese immigrant parents. He was named after Samuel Gompers, a founder of the American Federation of Labor, whom his father admired.
His early art studies at Pasadena City College were interrupted during World War II, when he and his family were interned with other Japanese at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming. During his internment he continued studying art in a small studio set up at the camp, where students formed an arts league.
While Mr. Saijo seldom discussed his years at Heart Mountain, or the prejudice he endured as a Japanese-American citizen, "he was deeply hurt" by the experience, his daughter, Rani Saijo, revealed.
After the war his family moved to New York, where his parents worked as domestics on Long Island. They eventually returned to Los Angeles via Denver.
In his late 20s, Mr. Saijo began working as a commercial and fine artist. His papier-mache and wood sculptures were sold at Gump’s. He also designed the toney store’s Christmas window displays.
In 1963 he moved with his wife at the time and children to Mill Valley, and continued producing commercial art including fabrics, shopping bags, wildlife coloring books, and posters for the Mill Valley Art Festival. He also worked in woodblock, oil, and ink.
Astonishing creativity
"His main feature was his astonishing creativity," noted his longtime companion, horticulturist Alice Bachelder of San Anselmo, whom Mr. Saijo met in a botany class at College of Marin nearly 30 years ago.
His eagerness to explore new ways of doing things, "characterized his entire life," his daughter revealed.
A West Marin resident for a dozen years, Mr. Saijo spent a preceding decade living off the land on the Lost Coast in southern Humboldt County, in a small cabin he built himself.
A popular resident of Walnut Place senior housing, where he was co-president of the residents’ council, "he loved women," his daughter said. "He had lots of women artist friends."
At times harsh in demeanor, he treated his family with "a Japanese first-born son gruffness," said his daughter. "This is how he was taught."
Extremely loyal
Crustiness notwithstanding, "he was extremely loyal to his family, and to me," Ms. Bachelder noted.
Mr. Saijo’s marriage of 22 years ended in divorce.
He is survived by his daughter, Rani Saijo of Laytonville, Mendocino County; son, Eric Saijo of Oakland; brother, Albert Saijo of Volcano, Hawaii; sister, Hisayo Saijo of Keaau, Hawaii; and his longtime partner, Alice Bachelder of San Anselmo.
A memorial art show to be held in West Marin will be announced.
The family has suggested that any memorial contributions be made to West Marin Senior Services; West Marin Senior Housing; or to Hospice of Marin.