About

Aia is a contemporary artist working in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She spent ten years living abroad in Italy and France.  Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, a notable Japanese Abstract Expressionist, she has moved around the world many times.  Close to forty moves in her life have taught her to be an ardent observer of her surroundings, how to acclimate to varying cultures, and led her to ponder what home is and the many ways living beings create comfort and shelter.  Having lived, loved and lost, she is keenly aware of how ephemeral life can be, what delicate creatures we are, and the importance of finding grace in each day we are given.  

Her sources of inspiration are her own experiences and the beauty she sees around her.  Glistening light, delicate colors and the feeling that those conveys are characteristic themes that are frequently found in her work.  Aia takes immense pleasure in creating images that inspire the viewer or lead to unexpected sensations that were not present prior to seeing her work.  

Aia enjoys exploring the poetry available in paint.  Inspired by Bonnard, Vuillard & Morandi, she is fascinated by the wonders of nature, the exquisiteness & symbolism in bird's nests, the everyday objects that surround her, and how they manifest in the natural world and are converted in to painting.  There is a metaphorical engagement that weaves through Aia's work and welcomes the viewer in.  The pursuit of peace and the embrace of quietness & tranquility are hallmarks of her work.  

Aia obtained her her Bachelor of Arts in Art History & French Language from Mills College in Oakland CA.  She studied Art History & French Civilization in Paris for one year at La Sorbonne Paris IV in Paris, France.  She is currently immersed in fine arts post graduate work at College of Marin under the esteemed painter & artist, Chester Arnold.  

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I am a contemporary artist working in the San Francisco Bay Area after spending ten years abroad in Italy and France.  I work primarily with oil paints and am currently fascinated by the exquisiteness & symbolism in bird's nests, how they manifest in the natural world and are converted in to painting.  My nests are often poised on delicate branches as if they are dancing between freedom & risk while secure in their being.  The works become a symbol of how ephemeral life can be along with strength & resilience in the face of potential loss.  

While I strive to work intuitively, I feel a strong connection to spirit when I work, as if guided by a higher power along with a profound connection to those I have lost.    

Glistening light, delicate colors and the feeling that those conveys are characteristic themes that are frequently found in my work.  I take immense pleasure in creating images that inspire the viewer or lead to unexpected sensations that were not present prior to seeing my work.  

There is a metaphorical engagement that weaves through my work and welcomes the viewer in.  The pursuit of peace and the embrace of quietness & tranquility are hallmarks of my work.