PORTRAITS
He She Me
Graphite on Paper
24"X18" (61cm x 46cm)
2024
"He She Me" explores the nuanced terrain of identity in a world where traditional gender and self-perception boundaries are fluid. This pencil portrait of a young individual questions whether he is simply a boy or if he embodies feelings that transcend conventional labels. Alternatively, it might reflect my own projected emotions and vulnerabilities.
The subject’s serene yet tense expression prompts us to consider identity's fluid nature, existing between societal expectations and personal truth. His features suggest a complexity that resists easy categorization, emphasizing that identity is rarely clear-cut.
This piece illustrates identity as a tapestry of ambiguity and self-discovery. "He She Me" becomes a vessel for examining our projections and reflections on the nature of identity itself.
AMERICAN FAMILY series
Constance En Fourrure
Graphite on Paper
24"X18" (61cm x 46cm)
2024
In "Constance En Fourrure," I explore the balance between innocence and the emerging passions of youth. This portrait portrays a young girl enveloped in a fur-lined jacket, her features are detailed to highlight softness and depth. The fur ruff serves as a symbol of protection yet contrasts with the wild passions it suggests, reflecting the duality of her character.
The title, "Constance En Fourrure," pays homage to the girl's mixed heritage—her French mother and American father embodying a rich cultural blend. This theme of dual identity is central to my work, encouraging viewers to explore the complexities of self and heritage.
Melancholy In Spring
Graphite on Paper
24"X18" (61cm x 46cm)
2022
This portrait embodies the melancholic essence of my girlhood, evoking vivid memories of my delicate and vulnerable teenage self. Through meticulous detail and delicate lines, I aimed to capture the raw emotions of a young girl adrift—an blend of purity and peril, entangled with expectations and anxieties. This artwork stands as a testament to the evanescent beauty and innocence of that fleeting phase, preserving the most tender chapter of my life.
Isaiah
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2017
"Isaiah” is a portrait of my nephew, who is very shy and afraid to speak up. Yet the viewer can sense an inner sensitivity and creative spirit in him. I drew this piece wishing him courage, confidence and to be strong and to realize his potential. I drew this piece wishing him courage and confidence and to be strong as a grownup and to realize his potential.
I drew this when he was 17 years old and I'm happy that he has grown into a confident young man.
Liza
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2015
“Liza” is a portrait of my niece in which I represent her character and her very strong and responsible personality. In the image she gazes into the future with hope and expectation. I drew this piece wishing her a very bright future.
Savion
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2019
“Savion” is a portrait of my nephew. Savion is a very outgoing and sweet young boy who loves music. In this drawing, I tried to capture his expression while he is immersed in his favorite music, which shows the delicate and gentle part of his personality.
Alice
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2022
“Alice” is a portrait of my niece and part of my “American Family” series, which represents each family member in a multi-cultural family of mine. It’s very important for me to capture the personality of my subjects. She is very active in sports and a sweet young girl who loves to paint and draw all types of subjects. She is very talented with art and improving every day with her skill. When I see her, I see the little future artist that she will become. I drew this piece wishing her a very bright future while expressing her excitement for life and new challenges and her growing confidence.
Carol
Graphite on Paper
29"X22.5" (74cm x 57cm)
2020
This is a portrait of my Mother-in-law Carol who passed away in 2018. She was hit by a driver who missed a red light while texting on her phone. She had been in a vegetative state for nineteen months. I remember that she was a beautiful woman full of dignity. I missed her beautiful smile while seeing her laying in bed emotionless. I tried to capture her best smile that I remembered from and miss. The accident was so sudden and I didn’t have chance to take a good photo of her for my drawing. I used one from a family group picture that she was in for my drawing which didn’t show much detail making the drawing a challenge to complete. This is the smile that I miss. We miss Carol dearly and this drawing is a prayer and a beautiful memory of my lovely Mother-in-law.
Angela
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2018
Portrait of Artist with Her Cat
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2011
Portrait of Artist
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2007
Husband and Pet of Artist
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2011
Momo II
Graphite on Paper
24”x18”
2015
Chibi II
Graphite on paper
24”x18”
2009
Momo I
Graphite on paper
19”x13”
2008
Chibi I
Graphite on paper
18” x 24”
2008
AMERICAN FAMILY series
Currently, I am working on a series of drawings titled “American Family” which represents each family member in the multi-cultural family of mine. This series shows off the diverse character of each individual in my family and the mixing of cultures to promote the idea of unity rather than division and racism. My marriage with my American husband has introduced me to his family which has many international relationships and mixes of race with different nationalities. His family is tightly bound together, and you can sense the unity despite the various backgrounds. This was a different experience from my Japanese upbringing inside of a single culture and I think my new family represents American diversity and is a good example of a happy multi-cultural family. So, I call this series "American Family". Creating a series based on my American family experience has been an eye-opening and rewarding journey.