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. It was only when facing challenge and uncertainty in my second marriage that I began a deep introspective journey, finding strength once more through my art.

I began an exploration into a variety of artistic disciplines, finding what resonated best with my new soul journey. As my painting 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. My canvas became a birthplace of healing as the emotional voice of myself and my ancestors found expression.

Now residing and working as an 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.

Solo Exhibitons
The Reawakening - Open Studio, San Jose, CA. 2007
Kingyo - Yamagami's Gallery, Cupertino, CA. 2002
Art & Garden Event - Yamagami's Nursery, Cupertino, CA. 1999

The Unforgotten Journey - 2 Person Show, Atlantic Gallery, NYC 2002

Group Exhibitions
Yearning to Breath Free, USF, School of Law, S.F. CA Juried by EJS, 2010
The Tao of Duality,  Brava Theatre, S.F. CA Curator Diane Rea 2010
A Place of Her Own, SomArts Cultural Center, S.F. CA Curator Cynthia Tom 2009
Hybridity- SomArts Cultural Center, S.F. CA Curator Rio Yanez 2009
Residency Workshop at De Young Museum, AAWAA, S.F. Curator Cynthia Tom 2009
Transformation-Brava Theatre, San Francisco, CA Curator Diane Rea 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 2002. Juried
Summer Group Show -  Broom Street Gallery, NYC 2002. Juried
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 1997. Juried

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