Artist Statement
 

“Yesterday and today are similar but they are not the same. And tomorrow is always new.”

 – Poem-Time, by Tanigawa Shuntaro

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I begin my artwork by extracting colors from plants and natural materials, including  dye plants I grow in my garden and food waste collected from local Denver restaurants, ramen shops, and flower shops. Whether through dyeing or making ink, I believe it is important to reconnect with colors that come directly from nature. To me, natural colors are the most beautiful in the world.

I use these colors on textiles and paper to express my identity as a Japanese “gaijin,” or “outsider,” living in the United States, as well as my feelings of joy, hope, and resilience in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful-painful world. Recently, I have started combining natural and synthetic materials - embracing both the impermanence of nature and the permanence of technology.

Community is central to my practice. I often lead workshops that give people the chance to experience natural colors and cultural traditions. This is why I enjoy exhibiting in public spaces such as cafés, restaurants, hair salons, flower shops, and dance theaters - places where people can encounter art in unexpected ways.

Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces that offer comfort and healing. I believe engaging with my artworks is like picking flowers, walking in the woods, or swimming in the ocean - an experience that brings calm and serenity.

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