"My roots in the Japanese culture and Zen philosophy strongly influence my work. I am also guided by the concept of a peaceful, gentle, and harmonious way of life, which I believe is much-needed especially in this time when there is much violence, conflict, and suffering in the world. My art combines positive energy with the concepts of happiness and balance."
Motoko
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Open Gate
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Motoko is one of the most recognized artists on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada. Born and raised in Japan, she immigrated to Canada in 1992. Inspired by the diversity of nature and human emotions, she uses her fine sense of color, design, and texture to create abstract paintings in acrylics and encaustics. Her goal is to create art which inspires and generates peaceful and harmonious energy in people’s hearts and minds. Motoko’s art is exhibited in her own private gallery and on her website. She is also represented by Van Dop Gallery, BC. Motoko’s art graces private homes and corporate spaces in Canada, USA, Europe, and Japan. Her work has been featured in books, magazines, television programs, and in many solo and group art exhibitions.
Shadow Dance
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Jazz Beat 1
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Please share with us a summary your background.
I was born and raised in Japan, where I was educated and worked as a dietitian. In 1992, I immigrated to Canada. This is where I started to pursue my lifelong passion which was to create art. Mostly self-thought, I now operate my own private art gallery in Garden Bay on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.
Share with us some insight into your process.
A piece of art starts with a vision that I have for the final outcome. I let this vision guide me through the creative process, with my intuition for colour, texture, and shape.
How would you describe the unique DNA of your art?
My roots in the Japanese culture and Zen philosophy strongly influence my work. I am also guided by the concept of a peaceful, gentle, and harmonious way of life, which I believe is much-needed especially in this time when there is much violence, conflict, and suffering in the world. My art combines positive energy with the concepts of happiness and balance.
Ocean
"A piece of art starts with a vision that I have for the final outcome. I let this vision guide me through the creative process, with my intuition for colour, texture, and shape."
Blue Ocean
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Jazz Beat 3
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Share with us some of the themes you've explored.
My favorite theme is water. I find that people have a natural attraction and love for water. Perhaps it’s because 60% of our bodies consist of water. It’s a source of life, and has a calming, cleansing, and healing effect. The sounds and sight of water inspires creativity and inspiration. This is a theme that I have worked on and will continue to explore.
What do people say when they discover your work?
Words that people have used to describe my art include healing, inspiring, peaceful, calming, harmonious, and joyful. I find immense joy in knowing that my art awakens these emotions from people.
How do you want your art to impact the viewer?
My goal is to create art that generates a calming effect on people, to promote peace, harmony, and joy in their lives. I wish my work to gently touch people’s emotions and allow happiness and serenity to surface even amidst chaos.
Scarlet Glow
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Into the Sky
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"My favorite theme is water. I find that people have a natural attraction and love for water.
Perhaps it’s because 60% of our bodies consist of water. It’s a source of life, and has a calming, cleansing, and healing effect.”
Infinity Falls
What ideas are you interested to explore in the future?
I am interested in exploring more texture and depth in my work, while at the same time experimenting with simple and understated compositions. I would like to explore ways on how I can evoke positive emotions from viewers through simplicity and subtlety.
What attracts you to your preferred mediums?
I predominantly paint in acrylics. I like it because it is very versatile when it comes to building texture.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a series that depict waterfalls.
Emerald Falls
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Glacier Glow
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"The sounds and sight of water inspires creativity and inspiration.
This is a theme that I have worked on and will continue to explore."
"Words that people have used to describe my art include healing, inspiring, peaceful, calming, harmonious, and joyful. I find immense joy in knowing that my art awakens these emotions from people."
Healing Water
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The Joy of Winter
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What do you feel when you are creating?
Just living in that moment is what I love when I am creating art. There is nothing else but me, the canvas, the
brush, the paint, and the present moment. It is the very concept of Zen… being mindful of what I am doing, in a calm and peaceful way.
What are your views on the role of art in today's world?
For me, art helps us in the pursuit of happiness. I see enough suffering, conflict, sorrow and tragedy in the world today. Art brings joy to people when even they are in the midst of a difficult situation. I believe that art brings positive energy to our lives.
The Journey
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Blossom
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"The sounds and sight of water inspires creativity and inspiration.
This is a theme that I have worked on and will continue to explore."
"Words that people have used to describe my art include healing, inspiring, peaceful, calming, harmonious, and joyful. I find immense joy in knowing that my art awakens these emotions from people."
Autumn Splendor II
"I predominantly paint in acrylics.
I like it because it is very versatile when it comes to building texture.”
"My art is definitely influenced by the natural beauty that surrounds me."
Unison
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Euphoria
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Tell us about British Columbia and how it influences your art.
British Columbia, Canada is one of the most beautiful places to live in the world. My art is definitely influenced by the natural beauty that surrounds me. Most of my themes are inspired by nature that I see in my daily life around where I live. I do not create landscape paintings but my emotional response to the beauty of nature around me is manifested in my abstract expressions.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your creative expression?
Like most people, I miss social interactions. I also feel compassion for those who are suffering due to the pandemic. During these times when isolation is the preferred norm, I found more time to focus on my art. I feel that this had a positive effect on my creative expression.
Website: www.motoko.ca
Motoko