September 2023

Studio Kura Artist Residency - September Presentations

Studio Kura, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan

group exhibition​

During my three-month residency at Studio Kura, I focused on how language and relationships affect each other in the Japanese language. My pieces focus on formality in speech and how one’s word choice and social standing influence each other. I also explored the opinions of Japanese native speakers on this topic and used their imagery to create illustrations. In my final month, I portrayed my personal experience with speaking Japanese through a children’s picture book, referencing the beautiful surroundings and wonderful people of Itoshima. Throughout the entire residency, I have been keeping a daily drawing sketchbook, chronicling my adventures and capturing the precious memories of my first time traveling to Japan.