I always have the same theme at the bottom of my heart. It is to express what people cannot see and cannot express, such as space, air, time, and distance. I always try to depict the colorless transparency that exists between the eye and the object, rather than using objects as a medium for unrealistic expression.

In my ideal box garden, flowers are in full bloom and glamorous at the moment. I express the best beauty by making the best use of the sparkling pigments and foils unique to Japanese painting, and interweaving traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. Kaori Sogetsu HP

I paint with the feeling of the universal beauty that I want to look at from the flowers and birds around me, from the universe, and from the passing of time. When I look at a flower blooming at my feet, if I imagine the vastness and size of the universe, I realize that I am looking at the preciousness of this moment in time. I want to touch the relationship, technique, and sensitivity that nature and people have cultivated over a long period of time by looking at the strong, soft, and beautiful Japanese paper that contains light. I think it is my role as a painter to continue to search for the form of beauty and prayer within me while being guided by nature and materials.

The relationship between a painter and a model is similar to that between a cook and an ingredient. No matter how good a cook you are, if the ingredients are not delicious, you have nothing to show for it. Many women have helped me to become the person I am today. That’s why I want to be able to depict not only the superficial beauty but also the inner strength and kindness of women. I hope that the women depicted in my works will remain with me for a long time to come, and I believe that this will be my way of repaying the women who supported me. (From WORKSOFKENTANAKAJIMA)