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.

I aim to activate and uplift the human soul through all the above material by the transformed sculptural elements and traditional Japanese symbolism.  Past and present meet to create a contemporary dialog conveying my own passion for life and eternal wish for positive engagement with the world. (4 of 14)

Expressionistic abstract paintings in “Infinite Growth Series” focus on the Japanese Symbol of infinite growth and bright future – the FAN. The fan signifies infinite growth as it opens widely at the top.  To achieve a bright future, people must overcome adversity in increments like the sections of the fan, climbing each level.

In the Series of “Figure Exploration”, I explore infinite possibilities of human figure paintings, further expressing my desire to grow as an artist. (16 paintings)