STATEMENT
My current work is rooted in mixed media painting, blending traditional Japanese materials—such as powdered mineral pigments, handmade washi, and sumi ink—with themes inspired by my time living in Kyoto. Using the vertical kakejiku (hanging scroll) format, these paintings draw from centuries-old Japanese practices of impermanence and seasonal awareness. At the same time, they reflect the imaginative curiosity and playfulness that has always shaped my creative process.
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This body of work began during two formative years in Japan with my young family, where daily life became a lesson in letting go—of expectations, of control, and of certainty. The Japanese proverb kawaii ko ni wa tabi wo saseyo (“Let your dear child journey”) became a personal and artistic touchstone, reminding me that growth often comes from release rather than protection. As I shifted from collage to painting, I was drawn to the emotional space of mono no aware, a gentle awareness of life's transience, and natsukashii, the longing for a moment even while still inside it. These works offer a space to pause, to wander inward, and to reflect on the quiet beauty of time passing.