Robert Dozono, a beloved member of the Portland arts community, recently passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy that intertwines art with environmental advocacy.
He was a sensitive and considerate soul, known for his desire to settle loose ends and express gratitude to those who mattered in his life.
A friend of Dozono’s, Alan Chong Lau, shared a poignant phone conversation with him shortly before his passing, highlighting their friendship that blossomed through shared interests in art, poetry, and memories of Japan.
Dozono spent his formative years in Japan, moving to Portland at the age of 13 to join his mother after living abroad with his father.
His artistic talents were revered in the Portland art scene, where he held a long-standing position as a faculty member at Portland Community College, dedicating himself to mentoring students in figure drawing and painting.
Dozono was also a pivotal figure at Blackfish Gallery, known for its commitment to local artists and as one of the oldest arts cooperatives in the city.
A staunch advocate for environmental sustainability, Dozono’s art reflected his deep concerns for the natural world.
He incorporated unconventional materials into his work, utilizing items typically considered waste, such as plastic debris, rubber bands, and toothpaste tubes, thereby drawing attention to humanity’s impact on the environment.
Describing his creative process, Dozono stated, “The natural environment is very important to me. All these years I have reused objects that one cannot recycle into my work… I attempt to foreground what we are doing to our natural resources by using a canvas layered with what is normally cast aside.”
Fellow artist Kanetaka Ikeda payed tribute to Dozono, recalling shared moments spent installing what would be the artist’s final piece, a monumental work entitled “No Farm- No Food- Take Back America- Upper Clackamas #11.”
Ikeda reminisced about the collaborative efforts over the years, as he assisted Dozono in displaying the evolving artwork, which began as a collage of discarded plastics painted over with a representation of the Upper Clackamas River.
Despite Ikeda’s impatience during their installations, he acknowledged Dozono’s distinct creative pace, referring to it as an “Aesopian tortoise pace.”
After 16 years of dedication and exploration, Dozono finally completed the piece, leaving Ikeda in awe of its grand accomplishment.
Throughout their time together, Dozono instilled a sense of environmental consciousness in his art, mirroring the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
His commitment to sustainability extended beyond the canvas; Dozono was an avid gardener and compost enthusiast, participating in fishing and camping activities that further connected him to the environment.
With a lifestyle that reflected his principles, he famously limited his garbage collection to once a year, finding innovative ways to recycle materials through art.
Ikeda vividly described how Dozono’s work delivered a critical commentary on environmental issues, urging protection for the region’s clean air, water, and forests.
In addition to his contributions as an artist, Dozono played an instrumental role in the operations of Blackfish Gallery.
Though not among its founding members, his energy and dedication earned him recognition as a key participant, especially highlighted during the Blackfish 45th anniversary exhibition.
Dozono’s passing marks a significant loss in the artistic community, with many reflecting on his generosity and support.
He was not only a mentor and educator but also a friend who valued and appreciated the artistic endeavors of others, including Ikeda’s own work.
Robert Dozono’s life and art serve as an enduring reminder of the interconnectedness of creativity and environmental responsibility, inspiring future generations to cherish and protect the world around them.
image source from：https://iexaminer.org/remembering-portland-artist-and-environmentalist-robert-dozono/
