Sumi-e expresses intimately and freshly the beauties of nature by means of the operations of the summand the brush, bringing simplicity, grace and beauty.

“I like the Sumi-e for the use of open unpainted space of what appears to be empty space but it is not empty at all. It is an active part of the entire composition, spirit of the Japanese culture and tradition to gain access to this style of painting”.

Being a native of Japan, Charlie is quite skilled in Shodo (calligraphy) and has been teaching the unique art form for several years. She shares her talent with Puget Sound Sumi artists’ members and others at various classes and workshops in the area. She has recently enhanced her calligraphy with sumi paintings, which she continues to explore with various instructors in the Pacific Northwest.