AMERICAN FAMILY series
Currently, I am working on a series of drawings titled American Family, which portrays each member of my multicultural family. Through this series, I explore the individuality and character of each person while reflecting the richness that emerges from the blending of different cultural backgrounds.
At its core, this body of work embraces the idea of the mixing of cultures to promote unity rather than division and racism. By focusing on the dignity and presence of each individual, I aim to highlight the beauty of human diversity and the quiet strength found in connection.
My marriage to my American husband introduced me to a family shaped by diverse nationalities and cultural experiences. Their strong sense of unity, despite these differences, offered a contrast to my upbringing in Japan within a more culturally homogeneous environment. This experience has deeply influenced my perspective and inspired this series.
American Family is both a personal and artistic journey—an exploration of identity, belonging, and the human connections that transcend cultural boundaries.
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Constance En Fourrure
Graphite on Paper
24"X18" (61cm x 46cm)
2024
In "Constance En Fourrure," I explore the balance between innocence and the emerging passions of youth. This portrait portrays a young girl enveloped in a fur-lined jacket, her features are detailed to highlight softness and depth. The fur ruff serves as a symbol of protection yet contrasts with the wild passions it suggests, reflecting the duality of her character.
The title, "Constance En Fourrure," pays homage to the girl's mixed heritage—her French mother and American father embodying a rich cultural blend. This theme of dual identity is central to my work, encouraging viewers to explore the complexities of self and heritage.
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Melancholy In Spring
Graphite on Paper
24"X18" (61cm x 46cm)
2022
This portrait reflects the quiet sorrow and tenderness of my teenage years—a girl caught between innocence and uncertainty. Her distant gaze and delicate features evoke the fragile beauty of youth, shaped by unspoken fears and silent expectations. It is a meditation on a fleeting moment in life, when the world feels both gentle and overwhelming, and identity begins to take form in solitude.
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Isaiah
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2017
"Isaiah” is a portrait of my nephew, who is very shy and afraid to speak up. Yet the viewer can sense an inner sensitivity and creative spirit in him. I drew this piece wishing him courage, confidence and to be strong and to realize his potential. I drew this piece wishing him courage and confidence and to be strong as a grown up and to realize his potential.
I drew this when he was 17 years old and I'm happy that he has grown into a confident young man.
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Liza
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2015
“Liza” is a portrait of my niece in which I represent her character and her very strong and responsible personality. In the image she gazes into the future with hope and expectation. I drew this piece wishing her a very bright future.
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Savion
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2019
“Savion” is a portrait of my nephew. Savion is a very outgoing and sweet young boy who loves music. In this drawing, I tried to capture his expression while he is immersed in his favorite music, which shows the delicate and gentle part of his personality.
【PERMANENT COLLECTION】 Permanent Collection of the Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
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Alice
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2022
“Alice” is a portrait of my niece and part of my “American Family” series, which represents each family member in a multi-cultural family of mine. It’s very important for me to capture the personality of my subjects. She is very active in sports and a sweet young girl who loves to paint and draw all types of subjects. She is very talented with art and improving every day with her skill. When I see her, I see the little future artist that she will become. I drew this piece wishing her a very bright future while expressing her excitement for life and new challenges and her growing confidence.
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Carol
Graphite on Paper
29"X22.5" (74cm x 57cm)
2020
“Carol” is a portrait of my mother-in-law, who passed away in 2018 after being struck by a driver who ran a red light while texting. She remained in a vegetative state for nineteen months. I remember her as a beautiful woman, full of dignity and warmth. During those months, what I missed most was her smile—the one that no longer appeared as she lay motionless in bed.
Because the accident was sudden, I did not have the chance to take a photograph specifically for this drawing. I worked instead from a small family group photo, where details were limited, making the drawing technically challenging. Yet that process felt appropriate—an act of careful looking, memory, and devotion.
This portrait is an attempt to capture the smile I remember and still miss. It is both a prayer and a quiet remembrance of someone deeply loved.
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Angela
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2018
This portrait depicts my sister-in-law, Angela, a single mother of three who continues to work as a hairdresser.
The scissors tattoo on her hand reflects her trade and the work that has supported her family. A scar remains on her wrist—quiet, but present.
I am drawn to her strength and resilience, and to the way lived experiences are carried without words. This work is part of my American Family series.
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Self Portrait with Beloved Momo
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2011
This drawing is deeply personal. It's a self-portrait with my beloved cat, who passed away in 2022. Capturing his soft white fur around the belly area against a light background was especially challenging. To convey the texture of his coat, I first shaded the area, then drew individual hairs using a pen-style eraser. I’m grateful I was able to complete this piece while he was still with me. I miss him dearly, and this portrait holds deep personal meaning in my heart.
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Portrait of Artist
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2007
"Portrait of Artist” is one of my very few self-portraits. It’s very important for me to capture the personality of my subjects including their emotions and it’s easier if I know the subject in person. Self-portraits are very difficult since it’s hard to see myself objectively as others would see me.
Since I moved to United States from Japan, I tried to make myself look a strong and confident woman and tried to hide my weakness. This self-portrait represents myself the way I want people to see me as a confident artist.
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Craig and Chibi
Graphite on Paper
40"X30" (102cm x 76cm)
2011
This portrait depicts my husband holding our beloved cat, Chibi. At first glance, his expression appears calm and distant, as though nothing unusual is taking place.
Yet his character reveals itself more quietly—in the way he holds her paws: subtly, but with quiet firmness. What seems casual is, in fact, controlled.
I am drawn to this contrast between outward composure and underlying tension. In this small, intimate gesture, a more complex presence emerges—one that is both restrained and quietly assertive.
Chibi passed away in 2024. I’m grateful I was able to complete this piece while she was still with us. We miss her so much.
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Momo II
Graphite on Paper
24”x18”
2015
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Chibi II
Graphite on paper
24”x18”
2009
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Momo I
Graphite on paper
19”x13”
2008
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Chibi I
Graphite on paper
18” x 24”
2008
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