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.
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.