I have long been fascinated by Japanese art. The woodblock print artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and lacquer artist Shibata Zeshin have been my life-long inspirations. I admire they way they "see" and capture nature with grace and elegance.

I create paintings in a tropical Asian style. Being raised in Japan and Hawai'i, I integrate both cultures into my work. Walking through my Maui garden past the koi ponds, lush bamboo groves, and ti plants to my art studio, I am filled with endless inspiration.

I look to see through both lenses of the East and West to capture the play of color and light in the scenery.

In Japan before there was plastic, there was lacquer. Shiny, durable, and waterproof, lacquer was coated on wood. Inspired by tradition, I mount my paintings on panels and then seal them with layers of a lacquer-like varnish. The result is a brilliant and innovative presentation.