Rising Stars: Meet Sachiko Mishler of Lomita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sachiko Mishler.

Sachiko, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in a small town in Japan. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved drawing. My favorite subject in school was always art. But I never thought I would call myself an artist or have a business card as an artist. After graduating from high school, I went to a school where you learn English. There I met my lifelong friend who asked me if I would go to the US to take an English program at Arizona State University. The plan was to stay in the US for 10 weeks. That 10 weeks was prolonged to a journey of 40 years.
Every day I encountered some kind of cultural shock. My classmates were from all over the world. When the English program was over, I was not ready to go back to Japan. I decided to stay a little longer and see more discoveries. I started going to Arizona State University majoring in Art.
I took all kinds of art classes but among all, my favorite class was figure drawing. But I didn’t become an artist right after the completion of college. I went back to Japan and a year later I moved to West Germany for a job I was offered. After you see the other side of the world, your curiosity keeps building to see more.
My job had nothing to do with art, but I could see all kinds of art and went to various art museums throughout Europe. When I came back to California I met my future husband. His job moved us to Japan and Hawaii.
In 2016 we finally settled down here in the South Bay of Southern California. I was ready to explore my longtime desire for painting.
I joined a local painting class and became a member of the Torrance Art Guild. One of my oil paintings received Best in Show and another piece got second place at the Guild’s art show in 2018 which was judged by the widely respected famous professional artist Ian Roberts. I also received First Place at the 2020 show and my painting received Best in Show at a South Bay art show 2022.
Meanwhile, since 2019 I’ve been selected to display my work at the Beverly Hills Art Show which is held twice a year. I received an Honorable Mention the first year. Recently, I participated in a couple of group shows at Gallery of Hermosa which was very exciting to have my work displayed in a gallery for the first time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Right now I do mostly oil painting, but I like other painting like watercolor, gouache, pencil drawing, even some craft. Establishing my painting style was not easy. I like all kinds of art and artists and I’d like to learn their techniques or skills but their styles are not always consistent with my impressionistic style. I think I lean towards fewer brush strokes which is a painting style I’m trying to emphasize in the future. It’s not easy for me, I tend to paint way more details than I want so that’s my struggle right now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I really like natural figures. I like to capture the moment of just everyday life. I take numerous photos everywhere I go even when we go for our daily walks. Time of the day makes a difference in shadows and contrast, wind makes hair flutter. Sunshine is clearly another important element of my painting. I usually don’t paint posed figures, I think the beauty of nature comes from just the way people are.
Every weekend I go to beaches with my husband and our golden retriever. The beach is just loaded with people I get thrilled to paint.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Doing what you like to do. When I have a booth at an art show, people’s generous comments and compliments towards my paintings make me think I’m not doing so bad after all. When people come back for my paintings, it’s a fulfilling feeling, most deserving. I had several paintings displayed at a shop in Melrose last year which was exciting.
Lastly, I can’t imagine doing what I do without my husband’s support. My son also helps for the art shows.

Contact Info:

• Website: SachikoMishlerArt.com
• Instagram: SachikoMishlerArt