I like to create artwork that has a lot in the composition and shows different aspects of the theme of the work. I used to paint more portraits, still lifes and city scenes than I do now as I have always painted or drawn whatever interests or inspires me. But, after arriving in Canada in 2006 and reflecting on the different subjects of my paintings, I realized that nature is the subject that I am most comfortable with. And, I will always remember what my junior high school art teacher said to me, “Miss. Yoshikawa, you are really good at painting nature.”
I think the reason for that is because of where I grew up. I was born and raised in a small rural town on the coast that was surrounded by large mountains. As a child, I played daily in the neighbouring meadows and forests, and was fascinated with everything I saw there. The insects, flowers, leaves, grass, dragonflies, pebbles, snow all made an impression on me and I really remember well every aspect of them. I felt they were like my friends, a part of my life that enhanced all my childhood activities. My family and friends remember that, when I went to the beach, I had a habit of studying the waves or staring at the evening sun until it disappeared behind the ocean.
One could say that many of the creations of humankind are beautiful but, because of my childhood experience, I have much more admiration for the creations of nature. When I look at them or think about them, not only do I admire their beauty, but I also realize how important nature is for me and the world. That realization has led to a strong desire to see nature protected from environmental problems.
Nature is what I love, admire and care about most in this world. My landscape paintings present my appreciation of the nature that sustains this earth and, at the same time, can convey many messages. I may paint from other subjects from time to time, but I will probably continue painting mostly landscapes from nature because that is what works best for my creativity.