Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Arakawa
Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A Lifelong Love for Art: My Journey from IT to Full-Time Artist
Art has always been a part of me. As a little girl, I enjoyed drawing, painting, and creating with colorful paints and pencils. Art’s creative freedom has always been a source of happiness for me, a way to express myself and explore the world around me.
When it came time to choose a college major, I seriously considered pursuing art. However, the competitive nature of the field led me to take a different path, and I opted for a career in Information Technology. IT became my professional focus, but my passion for art never faded. It was always there, patiently waiting for its time to shine.
After many years of a fulfilling career in IT, I retired as a caregiver for my mother and finally had the opportunity to devote myself to art full-time. It was a liberating moment that allowed me to fully embrace the title of “Artist.” My work is deeply influenced by my Japanese American heritage and the Hawaiian culture I fell in love with while in Hawaii. The beauty of the islands, from the serene ocean to the stunning flowers, often serves as my muse.
One key concept guiding my art is “Ho’oala,” a Hawaiian word meaning healing. I strive to incorporate this sense of healing and tranquility into each piece I create. Whether painting a peaceful ocean scene or capturing the delicate beauty of a Hawaiian flower, my goal is to evoke a sense of calm and inspiration in those who view my work.
The Plumeria and Hibiscus flowers are significant inspirations in my art. Plumeria, with its fragrant petals, symbolizes positivity, beauty, and grace. The Honu turtle is another symbol that frequently appears in my work. Representing endurance, long life, and good luck, the Honu is a revered figure in Hawaiian culture, often associated with navigation and protection.
I particularly enjoy working with watercolor and gouache paints, which allow me to express the fluidity and vibrancy of the natural world. These mediums offer a unique way to capture the essence of my subjects, bringing them to life in a way that feels both spontaneous and intentional.
In addition to traditional art paper, I share my art on merchandise like tote bags, cards, and mugs. It brings me immense joy to know that my art can be a part of someone’s everyday life, spreading beauty and positivity wherever it goes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Finding Balance Between Art and Social Media
Social media plays a crucial role in communication today, offering artists like me a platform to share our work with a global audience. However, as an artist deeply committed to the creative process, I’ve found that balancing between dedicating time to creating beautiful art and managing my social media presence can be challenging.
Creating art requires focus, inspiration, and an environment that nurtures creativity. Yet, the demands of social media—curating content, engaging with followers, and staying active—can sometimes pull me away from my artistic flow. While social media provides a valuable platform for showcasing my work, protecting the time and energy needed for the creative process is essential.
Another concern many artists, including myself, face is the potential for our work to be copied or used without permission, primarily online or by AI. The digital age has made it easier for images to be shared, but it also presents risks to the ownership and integrity of original artwork. I’ve copyrighted my work to safeguard my creations, ensuring that I establish myself as the original artist. This protects my art and reinforces my commitment to preserving its authenticity.
Finding a balance between nurturing my creative spirit and managing the responsibilities of sharing my work online is an ongoing journey. By protecting my art and setting boundaries for my time, I strive to maintain harmony between these two essential aspects of my life as an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love creating art inspired by the natural world, drawing on the beauty of beaches, sunsets, gardens, and sea life. Nature provides an endless source of inspiration, and I’m constantly fascinated by how colors and forms interact, creating a sense of movement and harmony on the paper.
One of the joys of fluid art is the freedom to experiment. I enjoy using unusual paint (watercolor powder in addition to paint) and tools—forks, twigs, chopsticks, and more—to see what images emerge. Each tool brings texture and dynamics to the piece, allowing me to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of traditional painting techniques. This experimental approach is central to my creative process, giving my work a unique character and a life of its own.
My distinct style, usually recognized for its beautiful floral art, is influenced by my Hawaiian and Asian heritage. These cultural influences are woven into my work, adding layers of meaning and connection to my roots.
Whether it’s a vibrant garden scene or a tranquil sunset over the ocean, I aim to capture the essence of nature’s beauty and share it with the world. Each piece reflects my love for nature and my cultural background, inviting others to see the world through my eyes and experience the harmony and serenity I strive to create.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I utilize creativity, patience, curiosity, perspective, color, and composition when I create my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maryarakawa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryarakawa.hoola
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryArakawa
