Growing up biracial and multicultural, I'm influenced by my Japanese, Okinawan, and American roots and my time growing up in Germany. Although my experiences were mostly positive, there was always an element of feeling like I was living life in between worlds and in a constant ebb and flow of different customs and perspectives where it was essential to adapt and navigate in different spaces.
Much of my work explores fluidity, release of control, and freedom. I paint intuitively without a specific end result in mind, and instead, like to let the water be my guide and collaborator. As a recovering perfectionist and overthinker (always a work in progress), art is the one space where I enjoy letting go of control. Playing, experimenting, and exploration are integral to my practice.
My friends and family know me as “Laura,” but I use my middle name "Makiko" for my art because it always felt hidden, much like the artist that felt buried for many years, so I wanted to bring it forward and give it some light. The characters (kanji) in my name mean "full of joy" in Japanese--something that I hope my work brings to you as much as it does for me.
Process
I primarily work with watercolors and inks on cotton paper or mineral/stone paper. I appreciate interesting textures and soothing flow, and am forever chasing the dynamic movement and dance between pigment and water.
I also use tools that some might consider unconventional for watercolors such as a palette knife and pipette.
I capture and share my process on Instagram and consider those videos another form of art. I enjoy creating spaces for others to take a breath, relax, and sink in the flow and movement - important components of how I paint. In this fast-paced world where we're expected to do more, I invite you to take a minute to slow down and do less.
Materials
Most of my paintings are done on cotton paper (most commonly used for watercolor) or on mineral/stone paper. Most people are familiar with regular paper, but mineral paper is not as common so I'll explain a bit here so you know what to expect.
Mineral/stone paper is made from 80% calcium carbonate (primarily rocks, shellfish, and shells) bonded with a small amount of plastic. Mineral paper (depending on the weight) is much thinner than cotton paper and the surface feels similar to eggshells. The paper can be slightly translucent. Original works created on mineral paper are sealed with varnish and UV resist coating to protect the painting. If you are unsure about purchasing a painting done on mineral paper, please reach out. I also have process reels on my Instagram account: @makikosharikart.
Pigments: The pigments I use are a mix of natural earth pigments and synthetic. Some of the pigments I use are also created and mixed with calcium carbonate which is commonly used in Japanese painting (nihonga). I also use a fair amount of liquid watercolors, acrylic inks, calligraphy inks, writing inks, liquid charcoal and traditional Japanese inks. I like to combine and mix things up to create interesting effects. I also occasionally use pastels, pens, and pencil in my work. Nothing is off limits as long as there is some water involved!
Meet my studio buddies, Zuzu Bean and Momo Bear. These rascals like to think of themselves as budding artists and occasionally like to "collaborate" with me on my paintings. You can find Zuzu supervising my process in some of my Instagram reels. Check out the Cat-laboration Collection! 30% of all sales from this collection will go to various local shelters.