MJ Okawa is an artist whose work masterfully blends the rich traditions of Japanese silk painting with a contemporary Western aesthetic. Born and raised in Mountain View, California, MJ's artistic journey began early, influenced by the vibrant cultural landscape of the Bay Area and her deep appreciation for the natural world.
Her fascination with silk painting began in the 1990s, where she studied under master artists in Berkeley, California. Over the years, MJ has honed her craft, developing a signature style that combines the delicate precision of Japanese silk painting with bold, saturated jewel tones and sparkling metallic outlines. This unique approach results in artworks that are both intricate and dynamic, evoking the beauty of cloisonné or stained glass.
MJ’s connection to Japanese culture deepened through her marriage. Her husband’s family is Japanese, and his father's family was interned at Heart Mountain in Wyoming during World War II. Through her in-laws, her husband, and their shared family, MJ has gained a profound understanding of the values of honor, love, and loyalty that are central to Japanese heritage. This cultural exchange has become a significant influence in her art, infusing her work with a sense of respect and reverence for tradition while embracing the expressive freedom of her Western upbringing.
Throughout her career, MJ has been a visual and performing arts teacher as well as a theatrical director and designer. In May of 2024, she began entering calls for art and has since exhibited her work in galleries and festivals across the United States, gaining recognition for her vibrant, textured pieces that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and find joy in the interplay of color and form. As an artist, MJ Okawa continues to explore the boundaries of silk painting, pushing the medium into new and exciting directions while honoring the traditions that first inspired her.
Now based in Chandler, Arizona, MJ remains dedicated to her craft, sharing her passion for art with others through exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement. Her work is not only a visual feast but also a bridge between cultures, offering a unique perspective on the world we live in.
Statement
My art is a celebration of the interplay between tradition and innovation, where the delicate precision of Japanese silk painting meets the bold, expressive freedom of contemporary Western aesthetics. I am drawn to the rich textures and vibrant colors that silk painting offers, using metallic gutta to create intricate outlines that define and enhance the natural beauty within each piece.
Through my work, I strive to create a sense of harmony and balance, reflecting the values of honor, love, and loyalty that I have come to deeply appreciate through my connection to Japanese culture. The landscapes, botanicals, and abstract compositions I create are not merely representations of nature, but invitations to pause and reflect, to find joy and serenity in the moment.
Each piece I create is an exploration—a dialogue between the past and the present, the East and the West. By blending traditional techniques with a contemporary approach, I seek to push the boundaries of silk painting, creating art that resonates with a universal audience while honoring the cultural traditions that have inspired me.
In my work, I aim to bridge cultures and offer a unique perspective on the world, inviting viewers to share in the beauty and tranquility that nature provides. My art is not just about visual appeal; it is about creating a space for contemplation, connection, and joy.