The Colorful Bloom of Shirley Sakatani’s

Floral Collection

​

Shirley Sakatani’s latest floral collection is a vibrant testament to her artistic evolution, characterized by bold strokes, rich layers, and a striking color palette. This collection embodies not just floral arrangements but a journey of growth—both in her technique and personal life, intertwined with her faith.

As an artist, Sakatani continually seeks inspiration from the natural world, curating exquisite sunlit bouquets and exploring blossoming fields that bring joy and vitality to her creative process. Each piece reflects her dedication—whether she is setting up her own floral displays or capturing the beauty of gardens through photography. Yet, it is in her studio, painting for hours while immersed in music, that Sakatani truly thrives. Music plays a significant role in her work, infusing movement into her paintings and sometimes inspiring her to dance as she channels her emotions into acrylics on canvas. The result is a dynamic interplay of big, bright colors that explode off the edges, as well as quieter, more subtle pieces that convey deeper emotions.

Sakatani's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her family legacy. A graduate of California State University in fine arts, she comes from a lineage of creativity, with her grandfather, Yamashita, being a respected landscaper and koi pond designer, and her father, Bacon Sakatani, known for his advocacy for Japanese internment camp survivors during WWII. Bacon is also a talented photographer and inventor, further enriching the family’s creative narrative.

Inspired by her upbringing, Sakatani is passionate about teaching others her artistic methods. Her workshops, filled with fun and colorful advice, cater to students of all ages, reflecting her desire to share her artistic gifts as part of her ministry.

Recent personal explorations have led her to delve deeper into her Japanese American heritage, researching historical family events and her own childhood memories from growing up in Southern California during the 1960s and 1970s. This exploration further enriches her artistic voice, allowing her to capture the cultural nuances within her work.

In addition to her large floral paintings, Sakatani skillfully wields oils to create heartwarming, realistic portraits of pets. Clients praise her ability to capture the unique essence and personality of their furry companions in these smaller pieces.

The Sakatani style is a seamless blend of strong composition, impressionistic elements, and an emphasis on light and color. Her technique fluctuates between an explosive, wild representation of nature and a graceful, warm embrace of the world around her, focusing on emotion rather than minute details.

With decades of experience and a profound love for her craft, Shirley Sakatani is poised to unleash a new wave of powerful artwork for the world to appreciate, inviting everyone to share in the beauty of her journey.