My art with brushes started with a training in shodou, Japanese calligraphy at the age of 4. I practiced after school and participated in many contests throughout the school years until I was 20 when I came to America. The vigorous training in old manuscripts and various types of forms and scripts allowed me to explore the art using brushes.

Shodou is intended to give words life and express feeling. Calligraphers interpret and express words in personal and creative ways. I like to work on words and writings with a universal theme that viewers can share and feel the essence of the words. Characters are written in seconds, using a breath and there is no touching up or altering. I have to have an empty and clear mind when I practice. It is good preparation to meditate. This art form is a form of meditation–many monks work in shodou.

As each character has a meaning, I like to express its wisdom and intention as an art form. In addition, I want to be playful with colors and textures. I use kimono fabrics, that I have been collecting for many years, with some silks I dye with organic materials. My mother is a kimono artist and established an accredited school devoted solely to the art of kimono making. I spent my childhood at the school. It is hard to separate my art from the designs and colors of kimono. My inspirations often come from the designs and colors in kimono. I also use handmade kozo papers and other Japanese papers to give different textures.