Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

Hitofude (One-Stroke) Art. What started off as a personal challenge to figure out a new technique, turned into the transformative experience I needed that allowed a way to tell my story in celebrating my heritage. It further taught me discipline & i learned how to be more patient through a single continous brushstroke. It not only became my niche, but it also became a huge part of my art career's identity becoming one of the only known Japanese-American Hitofude Artists located here in the U.S.

Where do you find inspiration?

Through the masterful works of other Japanese Hitofude painters that I hope to be as good some day. My main source of inspiration will always be the people & their reactions as they watch their dragon or snake come to life with a single stroke. In Japan, Dragons bring prosperity & good fortune, & Snakes grant protection & good health. The opportunity to share this cultural significance with others believing they will recieve art that can bless them just as well here in the U.S. also inspires me.

What would you do with $25,000?

First, I would visit Japan for the first time since birth to see the hospital my mom & I were together last. Second, I would finally get my first tattoo of my birthstamp as my souvenir in Tokyo. Third, art supplies & materials of course & prepare a plan to take my hitofude art to all the friends who helped make this possible. Finally, invest in completing my van conversion into the very first mobile studio/gallery so I'll finally be able to sell my Hitofude Art from no matter where I travel to.