I aim to connect with others and to uplift the human soul through the exchange of color, texture, movement and the meanings of Japanese Characters as well as symbolism.

I was born into an ancient samurai family in Northern Japan, where practically every member is an award winning calligrapher. About two thousand characters derived from the Chinese are used in the standard Japanese language today. I explore these characters utilizing the Western modes of contemporary expressionistic style using mixed media. I have chosen characters that have positive and inspiring messages such as "Passion for Life", "Go Forward" and "Striving".

I have attempted to express these meanings in my paintings as well as to show the beauty inherent in the individual characters. I have retained the character's basic structure, but have combined multiple characters and artistically modified the shapes. The characters take on an accentuated meanings as well as becoming more artistic. Thus I believe the combination of two culture can creates a universal art that appeal to the viewer's heart and soul.

Fusion Ikebana

My current works are focused on sculptural forms which explore modernist painting, formal sculpture explorations and Japanese Ikebana in a contemporary expressionistic style. Some of these works are an expansion of my Japanese Character Paintings and others are independent of my past work. I use discarded glass jars, bottles and acrylic containers adhered to acrylic sheets, wood stumps, driftwood and other recycled wood. In order to express my positive intangible themes such as "Enthusiasm", "Perseverance", and "Hope" as well as esthetic beauty, I willfully modify the elements by painting both natural and man made items, transforming the materials into an integrated whole.

Ikebana (flower arrangement) originated in Japan about 450 years ago as a religious offering. It has developed into a more esthetically beautiful form to enhance the everyday life of Japanese people and is central to my intent for this body of work. The natural or "green" elements of Ikebana are altered (or subverted) by paint and display in service of a sculptural form which suggests both natural and spiritual themes.