The Art of Sunae: Exploring the Whimsical World of Naoshi
The artist known simply as Naoshi is a master of transforming minuscule grains of sand into vibrant and enchanting pieces of art. Based in her charming studio in Alhambra, California, she specializes in sunae, the traditional Japanese art form of crafting images with colored sand. Each piece she creates is a breathtaking tableau of saturated colors that invites viewers into fantastical worlds.
Captivating Characters
Naoshi’s artwork often showcases trendy characters adorned in food-themed fashion. Picture an ingenue with a head resembling a scoop of ice cream, or a warrior dressed in a skirt made of cheeseburgers, brandishing ketchup and mustard laser guns. One of her earliest characters, known as Ice Cream Girl, debuted from Naoshi’s childhood imagination, encapsulating the innocence and creativity of youth. Another noteworthy character is a fast-food warrior, flanked by anthropomorphic companions that resemble pizza and hot dogs, creating a lively narrative through art.
A Universe of Whimsy
While food themes dominate her art, the scope of Naoshi’s creativity extends beyond. She crafts celestial goddesses, nature-infused divas, and even a series dedicated to the Major Arcana of tarot. Her imaginative “It” girls are frequently accompanied by a menagerie of tiny creatures, including monkeys and kittens, all nestled within vibrant scenes that range from oceanic raves to joyous cosmic rides. Through her work, Naoshi endeavors to impart a sense of playfulness, sweetness, and dreaminess, evoking nostalgia and wonder.
A Journey of Nostalgia
Naoshi’s journey into the world of sunae began in her childhood, when she first encountered sand art through a DIY kit. “That memory stayed with me very strongly,” she recounts. This nostalgic spark ignited her passion, leading to the creation and sale of her own sunae kits starting in 2004. These kits are thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals of all ages, providing varying levels of difficulty to engage budding artists.
The Crafting Process
Creating her full-scale sand masterpieces is no simple task. Naoshi begins by sketching an original design onto an adhesive backing, which she meticulously cuts out. With precision, she sprinkles sand over specific areas, carefully removing each misplaced grain as she goes. This process can take anywhere from several days to weeks to complete. “There’s no room for mistakes,” she explains, highlighting the demanding yet fulfilling nature of her craft.
From Japan to Los Angeles
Originally hailing from Yokohama, Japan, Naoshi first ventured to Southern California in 2010 for a Sanrio anniversary exhibition. The experience sparked an inspiration that she found intoxicating, prompting her to pursue her artistic career in Los Angeles. Upon moving there in 2014, she immersed herself in the local art scene, showcasing her work at renowned galleries like Gallery Nucleus and Corey Helford Gallery, among others.
Building a New Life
Adapting to a new culture poses unique challenges. From navigating language barriers to figuring out everyday tasks like banking and grocery shopping, Naoshi experienced a steep learning curve. Despite the obstacles, she embraced these challenges, relishing the act of learning and integrating herself into her new surroundings. Today, she finds joy in simple pleasures, such as frequenting her favorite Tonkatsu spot.
Exploring the Craft of Sand Art
Last year, Naoshi published “The ABC of Sunae,” a visually captivating mini-encyclopedia that delves into the history of sand art across various cultures. It highlights practices from the ceremonial sand paintings of the Navajo people to the spiritual mandalas of Tibetan Buddhists, reflecting her passion for both art and education.
A Meditative Practice
In her studio, Naoshi has curated an environment conducive to creativity, filled with natural light and organized jars of colored sand. Her workspace is often accompanied by a soundtrack of her favorite tunes, blending the melodic rhythms of J-pop with the beats of Basement Jaxx. “The time I spend deeply focusing on the process feels almost meditative to me,” she shares, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of her craft.
Naoshi’s artistry not only showcases the intricate beauty of sunae, but also encapsulates the heart of creativity—a blend of imagination, dedication, and a sprinkle of childlike wonder.
