“One of our responsibilities as human people is to find ways to enter into reciprocity with the more-than-human world. We can do it through gratitude, through ceremony, through land stewardship, science, art, and in everyday acts of practical reverence.”
—Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
About me
I am an artist and educator currently working in Studio Art at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have fifteen years of training in Urasenke chadō (the way of tea), and I have been fortunate to train under the guidance of renowned calligrapher and black-ink paint artist, Shozo Sato, during my half decade of experience studying calligraphy.
While my artistic roots are steeped in the rich traditions of Japanese arts, my practice has evolved to embrace a profound appreciation for the intersection of nature, art, and sustainability. In my work, I aim to integrate ecological design thinking and land stewardship practices into my creative processes, resulting in a body of work that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and questions modern ways of thinking about objects and materials.
My artistic ethos is centered around a concept I call "mottainai art,” the art of waste not. This philosophy arose from combining the aesthetics of chadō and Zen arts, ecological/land art, and indigenous principles of reciprocity and respect for the Earth. Mottainai art values the beauty of imperfection and the importance of sustainability. I repurpose readily available plant materials and/or discarded items to create new and distinctive works that underscore the beauty of renewal and the significance of connecting with the land, people, and things around us. This approach not only informs my creative process but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue about our relationship with the environment and the value of the everyday.
Through my work, I strive to create pieces that resonate with the natural world, using land art and basketry techniques to craft pieces from culled invasive plants and foraged fallen materials. My art is a reflection of my deep connection to the Earth, and through my art, I aim to inspire others to explore the beauty and significance of our everyday lives and the world we live in.
As an educator, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. I believe in the transformative power of art to foster meaningful connections and to contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious world. My goal is to inspire others to embrace creativity in their engagement with the natural world and to contribute positively to our shared environment through the arts.
“It is impossible not to be impressed from time to time by the exquisite balance and harmony of nature; it is filled with a dignity and purpose beyond human achievement.”
—Sen Sōshitsu XV, Tea Life, Tea Mind