Japan

In 2018, I traveled to Tokyo to illustrate as The Peninsula Hotel’s first artist in residence. The entire trip was magical capturing every angle of the hotel through smooth drops of watercolor paint. The collaboration included 10 illustrations showing women in the hotels amenities, which were later used as bespoke luggage tags for guests. During this trip, I came across a term called “Yutori.” It’s a saying that refers to the concept of creating space in life, both physically and mentally. It's a philosophy that encourages slowing down, reducing stress, and finding balance through conscious pauses, which can lead to greater creativity and well-being. Below, you can find a glimpse of my experience and also newly released original paintings from this experience.

Neon outline of a woman sitting on a large, circular, gilded sculpture with wooden paneling in the background, with white text reading 'The Peninsula Tokyo' overlaid on the image.

A woman in a black yukata with a white obi sitting on a bed in a modern hotel room.

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Stylish woman in sunglasses and red coat standing with suitcase next to a green car in a parking lot with Christmas trees in the background.

A digitally illustrated woman sitting on a bed with her legs crossed, wearing a red and black patterned robe, with dark hair styled in a bun, in a modern bedroom with wooden slat wall decor and a small nightstand with a book, a phone, and a tissue box.

Two women sitting at a dining table with numerous desserts, a teapot, and a floral centerpiece, one woman with hands clasped and eyes closed, the other with a confident expression.

A few of the illustrations were painted live during the hotel’s afternoon tea, and during an interview with the Chef Dicky of Hei Fung Terrace restaurant. Many of the color palettes were inspired by food and the highlight of the culinary art that stood out to me during my stay. Find a list below with my favorite spots for food inspiration, pigments, and luxury art materials.