Jenny Okumura

What inspires you?

In what I do or create, each piece and series is inspired by my own life, by language and travel experiences, and by poems. Poems have a way to speak the truth, to empower and encourage the reader as 2D and 3D artworks affect the viewer. Conflict, balance, and harmony is reflected (I hope) in each piece.

Describe your creative process.

I always start by writing ideas. These thoughts leads to themes adding conflict, balance, and harmony to shape a my’ work's form and energy—lending to our departure with the stations of life in search for new noise and passion. My current theme: 'Knots of the mind’ explores the ongoing melee between the heart and the mind, complicated by love, hunger, power, doubt. Knots bind—like an embrace? as a restraint? Twisted strands of thought and feeling in our souls. Should we leap or remain motionless?

What are 3 words that best describe your work?

conflict, balance, and harmony

Who are some artists that have influenced your work?

Hans Hoffman, Kiki Smith, Tim Okamura. “I think a lot of making art is listening to yourself,” said by Kiki Smith. This holds true to how you want to be perceived on social media. By listening to oneself you are never limited—it is your own vision.

What is the most important tool when creating your work?

A constant thirst for knowledge and determination.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

“Listen to yourself as there is always another way,” Those words along with “one, done and move on” are constant reminders of why I love being an artist.

Where do you go for inspiration?

By experiencing the joys of life and being surrounded by honest critics.