An Artist Inspired by Nature

When visitors encounter Homage to Nature—a monumental sculpture crafted from charred timber by Japanese American artist Mineo Mizuno, on view in The Huntington’s Stroll Garden—they see a meditation on nature, the effects of the elements and wildfire, and the promise of renewal. They also witness the manifestation of an enduring friendship between Mizuno and longtime Huntington supporters Kelly Sutherlin McLeod and Steven McLeod.

This relationship, which spans nearly four decades, began in 1986 with an art commission. At the time, Kelly, an architect, and Steven, an engineer, were introduced to Mizuno’s work by Steven’s sister Deborah McLeod, now senior director at Gagosian Beverly Hills. Soon after, they met the artist in his studio.

“When we first saw Mineo’s studio and experienced the tremendous range of his work, we were immediately drawn to the unique beauty of his ceramics and his masterful use of glaze,” Steven recalled.

That meeting sparked a connection that deepened over the years. The McLeod and Mizuno families formed a close bond. When Mizuno and his wife, Minako, sold their Los Angeles home of 42 years, the McLeods offered them studio space at their Sierra Nevada ranch. Within a few years, the McLeods added living quarters, and by 2016, the Mizunos became full-time residents at the ranch.

“We’d always envisioned the ranch as a center for creativity,” Kelly said. “So, when Mineo was looking for a new studio, we were delighted to invite him to live and work as an artist in residence and pursue his artistic vision.”

Through their shared love of the arts, the McLeods have created a nurturing environment where artistic excellence flourishes.