Passion, and the encouragement to follow where it led, is the driver behind the success of newly appointed Member of the Order of Australia Tony Smibert.
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Mr Smibert helped to establish the Japanese martial art aikido in Australia in 1964, and is the president and senior teacher of Aiki Kai Australia, the National Aikido Association.
As a watercolour artist he has exhibited in over 50 solo exhibitions worldwide and specialises in the painting techniques of JMW Turner.
”Watercolour and aikido are absolutely dependent on harmony, and together they make a kind of life journey,” he said.
Mr Smibert trained in aikido for the past 50 years, and said the highlight is the wonderful people and learning from a great master.
In his painting career, demonstrating Turner’s technique in London and back home in the National Gallery were standout moments.
“Having my own range of Yuzen kimono in Japan was pretty exciting, and also my Tate Gallery books and current research there,” Mr Smibert said.
