My work combines the contemporary with the ancient to explore themes that transcend time. I work in the contemporary medium of large-scale digital prints with collage elements, and draw on traditional themes from Japanese and East Asian culture in developing my imagery. In order to explore my Japanese roots, I began looking at history, folklore, and myths, which led me to become interested in how these things have been passed down and become integrated with contemporary culture. As a result, I create work that experiments with visually connecting the past, present, and future. My most recent body of work is based on the Kojiki, the oldest record of Japanese history in existence. Entitled “Genesis of Japan,” this series envisions the present as a continuation of ancient myths and history. I both travel to the locations mentioned in these myths and historical records to take on-site photographs, and shoot staged scenes where I pose as characters from the story, styling the hair/makeup and fashion specifically for each story or scene. Elements from these various photographs are then collaged digitally and finally printed on large-format inkjet printers. Once printed, I apply traditional materials such as gold/silver/copper leaf and paint to complete the surface. These works began as an exploration of my roots, my identity, and the ancient stories from my culture, but they have developed into a search for, and representation of, universal truths that can be found in the ancient but which transcend time. My use of digital media is purposeful, aimed at prolonging the physical lifespan of the work: when data is continuously saved in the newest form of technology available, it can avoid deterioration and hopefully be preserved for posterity, contributing to the passing down of the cultural heritage my imagery explores. When future generations see my work, my present will have become their past, and perhaps they will add their own twist to these images. Envisioning how the work might be perceived in the future fuels my imagination as I create.