Kazuko’s art is poignant and adventurous.

“I paint impressionist and abstract translations that reflect a potpourri of moods or interests.  Sometimes I paint tight and sometimes I paint very loose, but always I play with color.  I started creating florals and landscapes with watercolors and expanded to acrylics several years ago.  Today I work primarily in acrylics to create dynamic and bold images that trigger the imagination, or create restful, peaceful renderings that cause the viewer to reflect and ponder.  It all depends on the inspiration in the moment and the mood I’m in.  My Japanese heritage can be seen in many of my creations.

“My inspiration comes heavily from the teachings and works of Henri Matisse, Wolf Kahn, Mark Rothko and Barbara Nechis.  There have been many others, too numerous to name, who have influenced my art through their excellence.

“I am always looking for new influences on my art, because I know there is always something greater to achieve – something new to discover.  I find the journey very invigorating.  When I paint I am creating a connection with the viewer, one that allows us to share attitudes, moods and feelings.  It also invites viewers to embark on their own journey within my work.”

Kazuko has studied with acclaimed artists Paul Forster, Rebecca Mann, Ian Ramsey, Betty Carr, Marilyn Phylliss, Barbara Nechis, Judy Morris, Richard Quigley, Stephen Quiller and other notable artists.  She is a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon, the Emerald Art Association, the Corvallis Art Guild and the California Watercolor Association.  She currently lives in Eugene, Oregon, with frequent sojourns to her native Japan.

Venues

Juried exhibits at the Bush Park Gallery (Salem)
Exhibit at the Maude Kern’s “Art in the Vineyard” (Eugene)
Juried exhibit at the Springfield Museum
Exhibits at the Emerald Art Center (Springfield)
One person juried shows at the LaVelle Vineyards Gallery (Elmira)
Several commercial exhibits
Represented by the Triad Gallery (Seal Rock, Oregon Coast)
Represented by the Agallery (Salt Lake City)
Represented by the Criterion Gallery (Eugene)
Represented by the Due Fine Art Gallery (Eugene)
Included in corporate and private collections, domestic and international.

Recognition

June 2006            “Around Oregon” Annual Fine Art Exhibition
May 2006             Portland Art Museum Sales & Rental Gallery, slides juried in
October 2005       2nd Place, Abstract Floral - Springfield Mayor’s Art Show
October 2004       1st Place, Abstract Floral – Springfield Mayor’s Art Show
October 2004       1st Place, Abstract Landscape – Springfield Mayor’s Art Show
October 2003       1st Place, Watercolor Floral – Springfield Mayor’s Art Show
2003                     Watercolor Society of Oregon Exhibition
October 2001       Arts Commission Award – Springfield Mayor’s Art Show
September 2001   6-Woman Show - Due Fine Art Gallery
August 2001          One-person show - LaVelle Vineyards Gallery
September 2000   California Watercolor Assn. Nat’l. Exhibition (San Francisco)