BIOGRAPHY

Born in Seattle, WA

Lives in Olympia, WA

MA New York University

BA  University of Washington

Through my art, I push back against boundaries and expectations that have been present throughout my life. In ways not always obvious, my art seeks a different way of looking at things that is open and vulnerable. The effort is to promote an outlook where there is peace, hope and acceptance.  I want to make art that is approachable and welcoming.

The natural environment of the Pacific Northwest - the place where I was born, raised and currently live inspires my work. Vibrant colors and rich textures come alive against the background of our often gray skies.  Amidst the incredible diversity of nature, there is a harmonious rhythm.  I gather these elements together and make them into an impressionistic collage of hand painted papers. My wish is to draw the viewer into the natural world to find both serenity and wonder, to see the beauty all around us.

Being Sansei, a third-generation Japanese American means I am on a lifelong journey  to understand where I belong. I straddle two cultures—the one I was born into and the one of my ancestors. My work aims to understand these different and sometimes conflicting influences; bold American individualism and a reflective Japanese deference. Through color and pattern on paper, my art combines pieces of each to create my own story.