From an early age I found inspiration and deep resonance in the offerings of nature. I was born in Berkeley as a third generation Japanese-American to parents who owned and operated a wholesale plant nursery in the East Bay Area. Growing up, I was inquisitive and enchanted with the surrounding palette of plants and beautiful flowers while touring the grounds with my father. This led to me learning the trade and working in the family business for twenty years.

In addition to a passion for the botanical, I enjoyed a childhood pastime of painting. This passion faded through my adult years as I devoted my heart and time being a single mother to my beautiful young daughter. I began an exploration into a variety of artistic disciplines, finding what resonated best with my new soul journey.

As my art developed, I was invited to exhibit locally. Seeing my work well received gave me confidence to venture to the mecca of New York City where I gained the freedom to explore and spread my wings as a serious artist. My work was often shown at Atlantic Gallery, a co-operative in SoHo. While in New York, the tragedy of September 11th occurred and I was led back to the Bay Area to continue my work and education.

It was through the sobering events of 9/11 and my return to the Bay Area, which I discovered new threads appearing in my work. With fresh eyes I began seeing what it meant to be a Japanese-American woman, both historically and in the present 21st century. I was arriving at a deeper, more authentic place both personally and artistically.

In 2005, I proudly watched my daughter Brittany graduate from high school and embark on her journey as a young woman entering college. At that time I made a simultaneous leap into my advanced education upon being accepted and majoring in Studio Art Practice at UC Berkeley. During my studies I watched as my body of work evolved from the earlier abstracts of ocean and landscapes to forms infused with Japanese culture and spirituality. Subsequently, my art has expanded to include my passion for mixed media sculptures and large-scale installations that have become a birthplace of healing as the emotional voice of myself, and my ancestors find expression.

Now residing and working a full time artist in San Francisco, I thrive on walks in nature, meditation and practicing the Japanese healing art of Reiki. I feel so fortunate to be embraced by the support of my daughter, friends and my two small dogs, Kanai and Matisse.

Group Exhibitions
Serenity Winter- UCSF Women's Health, S.F. Juried 2011
Driftwood Salon- A Place of Her Own, S.F. CA Juried 2010
Re-Claim-SomArts, API Cultural Center, S.F. CA 2010
March, Vita Art Center- Ventura, CA Juried 2010
Yearning to Breath Free- USF, School of Law, S.F. CA Juried 2010
A Place of Her Own- SomArts Cultural Center, S.F. CA 2009
Hybridity- SomArts Cultural Center, S.F. CA 2009
Residency Workshop at De Young Museum-AAWAA, S.F. CA 2009
Transformation- Brava Theatre - S.F. CA, 2009
Family Day at the De Young- AAWAA Artist Demo, De Young Museum, S.F. CA 2008
Cheers to Muses- St. Lukes Hospital (Cardivascular Center), S.F. CA  2008
Dyslexic Cake- Worth Ryder Gallery, UC Berkeley, CA 2007
Fired at Davis - UC Davis, CA 2006
Ceramic Dept. Group Show - Worth Ryder Gallery, UC Berkeley, CA 2006
Small Works -  Atlantic Gallery, NYC 2002
Summer Group Show -  Monique Goldstrom Gallery, NYC 2002
Open Studios Group Show - Civic Center, Mountain View, CA Juried 2002
Summer Group Show -  Broom Street Gallery, Juried NYC 2002
Summer Group Show -  Atlantic Gallery, NYC 2001
International Women Artists - Marine Technology Center, CA. 2001
International Women Artists - 1 Market Plaza, S.F. CA 2001
Group Show - Euphrat Museum- Cupertino, CA  Juried 1997

Two Person Show
The Unforgotten Journey - Atlantic Gallery, NYC 2002

Media
American Society of Contemporary Artists, 85th Anniversy Book, 2003
International Women Artists, Vol. 2, 2001
Art Scene, kkup FM Radio, San Jose, CA 2000
Alls Fair - Cupertino Courier, Cupertino, CA 1998

Education
AA, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA 1998
BA Arts, University of California; Berkeley, CA 2007

Affiliations
AAWAA - Asian American Women Artists Association, Board Member, S.F. CA 2008 to present

Creativity Explored, Art Center for developmentally disabled artists, Volunteer, S.F. CA  2007 to present