Kayo Kimura

I create art because it stayed with me when everything else faded.
Art found me — through chance, through connection.
Painting gives me a sense of calm, of knowing something is truly there. It has become a way to communicate, to meet others, and to feel grounded.

My work is based on geometric patterns inspired by the colours or themes I feel drawn to in the moment.
I primarily use watercolour on handmade paper. Each piece begins with a hand-drawn sketch, which I develop into digital patterns using Illustrator before transferring and painting them by hand.

My artistic language is shaped by the landscapes I’ve encountered while traveling, mainly in the Middle East including Syria and Jordan, where the historic cities and delicate craftsmanship left a lasting impression on me.
This appreciation for intricate traditional designs inspires my work and shapes my creative expression.
While traveling in Nepal, I had the opportunity to meet a Thangka master through introductions and was able to learn the traditional painting techniques firsthand.

I also draw inspiration from sacred art and spiritual spaces across different religions — Christianity, Islam, Buddhism — where beauty and prayer coexist.

I hope my work offers a quiet space of ...

B.A. in Fine Arts – Osaka University of Arts
M.A. in Fine Art – University of Wales
Specialized in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts

Professional experience in graphic design, focusing on ethnic goods and handcrafted products.