It is difficult to illustrate human complexities artistically. However, I believe the messages that my art conveys are indispensable to society. Our humanity cannot grow without opportunities to reflect upon ourselves. Art is my vehicle to communicate that.
My former occupation as an international healthcare worker provided me with opportunities to associate with people from diverse backgrounds. The hands-on experience taught me that emotional commonalities were more striking than our differences. I believe this is true between individuals, across different cultures, and throughout human history. Therefore, my art does not represent any particular group of people. It depicts human nature collectively, capturing both strengths and weaknesses that may co-exist in the same heart. Even though my choice of art media has shifted from oil painting to ceramic sculpting, the central theme has remained unchanged.
In Japan, where I was born, I studied brush and ink technique. In the USA I turned my attention to oils. Since 2012, I have been pursuing a full-time career as a self-taught ceramic sculptor. In addition, I teach clay hand-building to adults with intellectual disabilities and to seniors with visual impairment.
My Japanese Artist Name
Tenyoh, inherited from my family, means an ocean looking down from a mountaintop. My name carries boundless possibilities.
