Kana Harada - artist statement

My work is the embodiment of my wish for peace and love for humanity, mother earth, the universe, in short, all of us.

I express this through what inspires me: the ever-changing sky, the spirit of the trees and the wondrous flowers I have encountered in the lush forests at the foot of Mt.Fuji and across the U.S.… their peaceful, serene embrace, their extreme playfulness as if there are no rules, and the awe I have felt in their presence.

Working with foam sheets, which I hand-cut with scissors, enables me to create the kinds of lines and shapes I want. With the series of black 3D suspended pieces, the pliable softness and lightness of the material creates an unexpected contrast to the hard, iron-like appearance. The white series enables me to add hints of warm color, and the soft, marshmallow-like texture creates an even lighter, almost transparent appearance when light hits them.

My watercolor and cut paper series are my interpretation of what inspires me and want to convey with my art as well.