As a painter and sculptor, I seek to create art with an intimate process, and to integrate the aesthetics of the two worlds which constitute my bicultural heritage. My work is influenced by the rich art histories of two diverse cultures, and my intrinsic artistic sensibilities as a half Japanese, half British-American woman. The tradition of Western Abstract Painting provides me with techniques to create a visual history of my painting process, specifically mark-making, scratching, texturizing, and layering of paint and color. I also draw inspiration from the Japanese use of positive and negative space, the unlikely color combinations of kimono fabrics, the repetitive patterns in traditional Japanese textiles and papers, and in particular, the interest in asymmetrical, organic forms. The process of creating my biomorphic forms is intimately hands-on: bending, cutting, adding, subtracting, pushing, pulling, layering, molding, massaging, sanding, shellacking, and painting. The resulting wall sculptures feature abstract imagery that speaks to each curve and shadow, and communicates a unique visual language that is still reminiscent of something familiar.
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