SHIRLEY SAKATANI

Artist Statement

Shirley Sakatani’s artwork embodies wiping, bold strokes, and lots of layers. A graduate from California State University with a bachelor’s degree in fine art, Shirley has been funneling life’s twists and turns into her art, using her love for colors, movement and composition to create large paintings of florals, abstract koi, and scenes from her unique Southern California childhood and her parents time in the Japanese American Incarceration Camps during WWII.

Born and raised in California, Shirley was surrounded with a colorful family and many creative geniuses. Her grandfather was a well-known landscaper, creating beautiful koi ponds and Japanese lanterns. Her father “Bacon” is an avid photographer, gardener and a patented inventor and is renowned for his input in preserving the Japanese American Internment Camp history, artifacts and reunions. Shirley’s mom Ailene designed unique Halloween costumes and matching outfits for her and her sisters. She also is an amazing cook.

Shirley continues to learn and advance in her acrylic technique of building layers, exploring different compositions and using more dynamic color combinations. She also enjoys blessing others by teaching paint workshops around the region and showing her work in exhibitions close and faraway. Thank you for being part of her adventure!