The Art of Being

Does the Art in Your Room Shape Your Identity?
Does the Art in Your Room Shape Your Identity?
Mount Fuji is light blue in summer, white and light blue in winter. In my latest Fuji painting, I used neither. Still, you know it’s Fuji.Turns out Fuji’s identity was... Read more...
A Seed Sprouts in Its Own Time
A Seed Sprouts in Its Own Time
A seed sprouts in its own perfect time.Just because you plant it this year doesn’t mean it will sprout this year.It comes up when it feels ready — not when... Read more...
How Art Helps When You’re Struggling: Why Healing Comes Late
How Art Helps When You’re Struggling: Why Healing Comes Late
Some of my paintings are meant to inspire, to bring joy. Others exist for people who are hurting, or who simply want to feel calm. I think of that second... Read more...
Prints and Originals
Prints and Originals
In 2019, I saw a work by Toko Shinoda (1913–2021) in one of her books. It was a single brushstroke, painted in calligraphy ink. I remember thinking, “What is this?”... Read more...
Beauty Nourishes Us at Home
Beauty Nourishes Us at Home
Returning to the same places again and again can feel completely different from the first time. Sometimes something we barely noticed before moves us deeply when we see it again.... Read more...
The Comfort of What Stays
The Comfort of What Stays
There's a comfort in returning to the same place.   The same buildings, the same trees, the same quiet corner of Hakone, untouched, unchanged. Somehow, that's what puts me at... Read more...