色 彩
S h i k i s a i
Shikisai, which means color or hue in Japanese, is a special piece Asami created from her trip to Japan last winter.
Having grown up in Japan and spending most of her life there, Asami feels that Japan is a uniquely fascinating country. Its rich history, with many historical sites and traditions still thriving, seamlessly blends with modern influences. Every return visit fills her with nostalgia while also offering the excitement of exploring something new. It's this dynamic experience that inspired Asami to capture the essence of Japan through her artwork.
Drawing from her memories and emotions, Asami sought to convey the diverse facets of Japan, ranging from its timeless heritage to its contemporary innovations. Each brushstroke and color choice reflects a different aspect of Japan's vibrant spectrum, reminiscent of the varied hues of 色彩 - Shikisai. Utilizing special Japanese paints she got from the trip with evocative names like moss green, incense color, and red plum, Asami infused her artwork with an authentic Japanese essence.
During a serendipitous visit to a traditional embroidery threads shop in Kyoto, Asami stumbled upon a treasure trove of unique threads. Hand-dyed and crafted with care, these threads added depth and texture to Asami's piece, elevating it to new artistic heights. Whether made from linen, cotton, or silk, each thread contributed its own distinct character, enriching the tapestry of Asami's creation.
Asami treasures each of her creations, recognizing their uniqueness as reflections of specific moments in time. Unable to recreate identical pieces or revisit past emotions, she hopes that others can find joy in experiencing these one-of-a-kind artworks.
花の舟 - Hana no fune
The name Hana no Fune, meaning “Flower Boat” in Japanese, draws inspiration from the etymology of the Cymbidium orchid, which became the guiding theme for this series. In my creative process, I often choose themes that linger in my mind, capturing the emotions of a particular moment. This time, I was deeply enchanted by the Cymbidium’s delicate patterns and mesmerizing fragrance, which left a profound impression on me.
While creating these works, I kept fresh Cymbidium orchids nearby. Because I am especially sensitive to scents, I immersed myself in their fragrance and studied their intricate details closely. At times, I had the curious sensation of becoming like an insect—drawn irresistibly to the sweet aroma and lured into the vivid colors and captivating designs. I often wondered if this might be how the world feels from their perspective.
Through these paintings, I sought to translate those impressions into visual form, allowing the viewer to experience not only the beauty of the Cymbidium’s patterns and colors, but also the imagined fragrance carried within them. Unlike much of my artwork, which often grows out of memory or personal experience, these pieces were created more intuitively. They reflect a rare moment for me—simply responding to beauty itself, without overthinking, and giving shape to the inspiration that arose in that stillness.
The titles of each painting are derived from the Japanese language of flower meanings associated with the Cymbidium orchid.
