Artist Biography:Originally from Japan, Kana moved to the United States in 1992 and Gainesville in 2003. She studied art at Musashino Art University in Tokyo, started her career as a graphic artist in advertising, then became a freelance illustrator. After 10 years in the commercial world, Kana wanted to explore more personal art. Not highly skilled or even good-looking art, but art based on feelings, like she first drew or painted. As a child, she always had a big smile when painting and believes we all still have a beautiful child's heart inside of us, even if we are grownups. When someone looks at her work and she see eyes shining like a child's, it makes her very happy. In addition to painting, Kana teaches Sumi-e through community education and private classes.
Artist Statement:Much of my artwork evolves out of my own interpretation of traditional Sumi-e ("ink painting"). Each time I paint, I stone-grind a deep rich black ink, which I brush along with watercolors on handmade washi paper. I often mount finished pieces on canvas frames or paper sculptures.