Artist Statement

I was born in Japan on the southern island of Kyushu. I attended art school in Tokyo, majoring in oil painting and printmaking.

While I was a graduate student, my major was still printmaking, focusing on etching. However, right before graduation, I took a few jewelry and small metal sculpture classes, and it completely changed my direction. I was so excited to discover what I had been seeking for such a long time. It was clear to me I would work with metal for the rest of my life. Although I don’t do printmaking anymore, I still use etching techniques in much of my work.

Most of my pieces are interactive, which is an essential aspect of my work. Because I like to surprise people, the viewer must keep opening things to see the secrets inside, or push, pull, or wind up something to see movement or hear sounds. You never know what will happen until you get involved in the piece.

Growing up in a 400 year-old Buddhist temple, I was always surrounded by the beauty of nature and ancient things, like faded paint on wood and stone steps with hollows created by centuries of raindrops dripping off the roof. I was also fascinated by the elaborate metal and wood ornaments, made by skilled craftsmen, which were freestanding, attached to surfaces, or hanging from the ceilings throughout the temple.

The more time I spend living in the United States, with its diverse cultures and varied ethnic groups, the more conscious I become of my Japanese identity. I’ve gained a greater sense of appreciation for the environment that I grew up in as well as for Japanese culture in general. My interests change from time to time and my pieces reflect my interests at any given moment. However, no matter what theme I use, the setting of my childhood and my Japanese identity are always at the foundation of my artwork.

[top]