My name is Misuzu Mimi Watanabe. I was born and raised in Japan, though I’ve now spent over two-thirds of my life in the US. One day it occurred to me that I didn’t know much about Japanese art — a strange realization, since it often takes leaving a country to grow curious about its own traditions. That curiosity turned into a determination to learn.

I began researching and, luckily, found a wonderful teacher, Lois Yoshida, right near my house. I started in her group classes at South Seattle College, and when those classes ended due to Covid, I continued with private lessons. For me, sumi painting is challenging — no retouching, no sketching beforehand — but also deeply meditative and fun. My favorite subject to paint is cats — I have two resident models at home.

I joined the PSSA to be inspired by talented artists and to keep growing in my sumi painting practice.