Artist Kathy Yoshihara is holding an exhibition, “Mottainai,” from July 27 to Sept. 14 at the Beato Gallery, Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai.
Yoshihara’s work is inspired by her Japanese American heritage and practice of mottainai, finding value in repurposing, reusing and recycling. Her sculptural ceramics are personal tributes to her ancestors and the many Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II. She combines graphic knowledge to produce multimedia work in glass, ceramics and found/recycled objects.
“What started as memorials to departed relatives has evolved into an examination of racism, social injustice and generational identity of Japanese Americans pre- and post-World War II,” Yoshihara said. “I reveal the story from a personal perspective, by combining traditional Japanese objects, historical content, and memorabilia. My ceramic/multimedia dioramas question attitudes that are still prevalent today.
She has participated in numerous shows and was awarded “Best of Show” from the American Ceramic Society-Design Chapter, Southern California Presidents’ Show. She is a member of the California Japanese Ceramic Arts Guild, American Ceramic Society-Design Chapter, Southern California and the Mid-Valley Arts League.
The gallery is located at 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd., Ojai. An opening reception will take place on Saturday, July 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit beatricewood.com. To view more of Yoshihara’s work, visit kyoshiharadesign.com, Instagram at @kyoshiharadesign or on Etsy at kobaatkyd.etsy.com.