Description
Voice, Touch, and Vision 2 by Yuka and Taylor
mixed media
12 x 12 inches
Year created: 2024
Description: A variety of torn and twisted papers are pasted on white paper that has circular drawings and designs. Some of the torn papers resemble flowers, leaves, and other organic elements.
Connection to the theme: Our artworks explore the intersection of healthcare and cultural expression. They are created using torn paper fragments and soft tissues, a process that involves tearing, cutting, twisting, and wrinkling paper with our fingertips. This tactile craft not only brings creativity to life but also contributes to brain health. In today’s technology-driven world, it's easy to spend hours swiping screens, but we must not forget the importance of hands-on activities. Our fingers need to "dance" through craft.
In our work, we incorporate traditional Japanese art techniques such as Chigiri-e (torn paper art) and Koyori (twisting washi paper), which are deeply rooted in cultural expression. These techniques represent my personal connection to my heritage and the timeless value of tactile craftsmanship.
Artist Statement: (Written by Yuka) We are a duo of artists representing racial and neurological diversity. Our art-making is a collaborative process that fosters deep connections through nonverbal communication. One of us has autism and is non-speaking (Multi Modalities Communicator); she cannot form words but instead creates unique vocalizations, similar to onomatopoeia. I mirror these sounds as we engage in the act of making mixed media art together.
I began visiting my collaborator's home in 2022 as a play therapist, and our shared creative sessions have evolved into a co-creative art practice. This process has become a therapeutic tool, supporting my collaborator's mental health while also exploring the sensory and emotional landscapes of our collaboration. We use a torn paper technique—tearing, cutting, twisting, and wrinkling paper—which provides tactile input through our fingers, engaging both of our brains. The texture, color, and form of the paper provide visual inspiration, prompting my collaborator to create different vocal tones in response.
Originally from Japan, my artistic journey has been shaped by my experiences navigating multiple cultures: Japan, Mexico, and the United States. The challenge of understanding the subtle nuances of each language has often been exhausting, but art has always been a means of relief, a way to communicate beyond words. This experience of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps inspired me to become a therapist for people with autism, where I continue to use art as a tool for emotional expression and connection.
Through our co-creative artworks, we explore the power of art-making as a tool for expression and the profound impact of nonverbal communication. Our process underscores the importance of sensory engagement and connection, offering a space where voice, touch, and vision come together to create new forms of understanding.
Bio: (Written by Yuka) We are a duo of artists representing racial and neurological diversity. Taylor has autism and is nonverbal. I'm her therapist who provides at-home art sessions. I also teach Origami and illustration to children and caregivers at local art centers. I'm originally from Tokyo Japan. My art career intertwines with my immigration experience between Japan, Mexico, and The United States.
$50 *
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