Kenji’s Artist Statement
To me, painting is a deeply rooted soulful experience to be shared. I am a self taught artist and, although my journey has had many different turns, I have never forsaken my calling. I feel connected to my truth when designing my paintings and that good energy fulfills my life’s purpose. I’m blessed to have visions and dreams of stories that keep my ancestors’ tradition of compassion, labor, praise, family, and celebration alive. I love presenting my work and feeling my spiritual gift being sincerely appreciated. My aspiration as an artist is to simply disclose that we are more alike than different.
My Japanese, Jamaican, and African American heritage gives me a wellspring of history to bring to the fore. My paintings are developed by using all types of tools that allow me to keep my childlike approach. I love painting, spraying, sponging, even finger painting acrylics and gels. This prepares the foundation of my work with light and color that creates a paper like effect upon which I paint my story. This paper technique pays tribute to the art of my Japanese ancestors who used rice paper. When I bead, it allows me to experience a deep sense of quiet and patience. I love selecting all types of beads from different countries. I use two toothpicks to place the beads in swirling designs that evolve organically, giving my painting another dimension. It reminds me of my grandfather teaching me to use chop sticks.
My “Bead Art” evolved out of braiding and beading my children’s hair. That inspired me to make dolls with braids. My “Cutie Pie Dolls” were a hit for many years. In 1991, I entered an African American History poster contest for Coca Cola in Los Angeles. To my amazement I received honors from the Mayor and a monetary prize. This encouraged me to continue painting and beading my art. 2009, I was commissioned by Universal Music to create Motown’s 50th Anniversary nationwide poster.
My art is inspired by encouraging words from artists Ernie Barnes who told me he too is self taught and to keep improving my techniques, study, and take a bold approach to my work. It also brings me great joy of teaching art to children through the Monterey Arts Council in Monterey, California.