Etsuko’s Profile
Etsuko was born in Tokyo, Japan; One of the busiest cities in the world. Her parents encouraged her, at a very young age to practice ballet, piano and painting. She remembers painting, with youthful eagerness, a pomegranate still life. She continued to take art classes in school and studied English Lit & Western Fine Art in university. Etsuko also enjoyed Japanese traditional arts, such as Ikebana and Tea-ceremony for many years. She had the opportunity to work at Kobayashi Art Gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, where she was surrounded by world known fine arts and artists. Her most favorite time is to visit art /historical museums and galleries anywhere in the world to admire master pieces.
After being in a highly competitive corporate environment in big cities, Etsuko is now excited to be a full-time artist on Vancouver Island. She is constantly inspired by nature and by the wonderful people who encourage and admire her work. Her inspiration comes from nature, organic shapes, feelings & memories. Her brush strokes are influenced by the long-term practice of Japanese calligraphy and the composition from the Ikebana practices. Her Joy and passion to paint originates from the flow of internal and external energy (Ki); which come from her regular yoga practice.
Etsuko currently uses mainly acrylic as medium, plus many other mark-making mediums, such as charcoal, pencils, pastels, etc. She enjoys experimenting with all sorts of tools (sometimes from a kitchen cabinet or thrift store) beside all varieties of brushes. Etsuko continues to explore new styles and techniques, either self-taught or by attending workshops.
Etsuko has been an active member at Ladysmith Art Council and Cowichan Valley Art Council in Duncan, where she regularly exhibits her pieces since she moved to the island. She has had several group shows with fellow artists as well as the group of abstract painters with Dennis Brown. She is excited for the upcoming shows, especially with Leona Petrak at the Cowichan Performing Art Centre gallery in May and June, 2024.
She is deeply grateful for the loving support of her family, friends, mentors, fellow artists, and the community.
Big THANK YOU for everyone who voted for my piece which meant me a lot. 💓
Why I created this piece?
I started the first layer of the painting just before I receive the sad news about my father who was passing. When I returned from Tokyo without seeing him in the hospital, the sparks of creative energy were coming out more than usual. I moved the brushes and mark making tools as I felt each moment. I also used the layers of the colours that I cherish. “Lush” was completed just before I attended his celebration of life. Etsuko
“… lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting, and … stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to “walk about” into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?”
― Wassily Kandinsky