You’ve been painting for most of your life. Growing up, were there any particular artists that inspired you or whose style you sought to emulate?
I grew up surfing in South Carolina as a young kid in the late 70’s and early 80’s. The art that I saw in surf magazines back then was really cool. Though I didn’t know who the artists were at the time, they were a strong influence on me; guys like Rick Griffin and Bill Ogden. Read More…
What prompted the move to the United States in 2000, and in what ways has American culture influenced your work since then?
I moved to the US because of my marriage. I was leading a typical Japanese life, but I ended up living here! Life brings lots of surprises.
Yes, American culture has influenced me a lot. I was a traditional calligrapher most of the time, but now I try to incorporate Japanese calligraphy with colors, acrylic, canvas, graphic, and fabric — anything interesting. When I first arrived here, I had to learn English and the culture. It was tough, but I can now say I learned a lot from that and I never gave up wanting to be an artist.
HALLOWEEN IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Come join the fun and participate in our Skinit Pumpkin Carving Contest.
Be as wild and creative as you’d like!
To submit a pumpkin, please email your picture to facebook@skinit.com with your full name as well as a name for your creation.
All qualified entries will be published on our blog for voting and viewing pleasure. 
We will select our top three entries and post them on Skinit’s Facebook Page on October 31st for a final FAN vote. Voting will end at 12pm on November 1st, 2011.
Have fun and get carving!
Exclusive Limited Edition iPhone 4 / 4S Cases
Add style and protection to your life with Lauren Conrad selected,limited edition 
protective iPhone 4/4S cases. Hurry, only 500 available of each design. Includes free shipping.*
Purchase a selected design by Lauren Conrad and you’ll be entered to win one of three cases autographed by LC herself.** Winners will be announced on 10/19, 10/21 and 10/24.
*Free economy shipping only applies to Lauren Conrad selected iPhone 4 / 4S cases while supplies last.
Exclusive Skinit designed cases/skins selected just for the community by Lauren Conrad.
**No purchase necessary. Ends 10/24/2011. You can also be entered to win by posting a message on the Lauren Conrad blog. Blog winner will be announced on 10/24. Click here for the “Lauren Conrad” Sweepstakes.
We are also offering exclusive LC skins for all devices. Head over to Skinit.com to check them out!
About 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S, including 1,200 in SanDiego. About 40,000 nationwide will die from it, according to the American Cancer Society.
The “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk has been a local San Diego tradition for the past 13 years, and our Skinit Team is excited to be joining in the cause this year. The walk, which takes place this upcoming Sunday, October 16th in Balboa Park, raises money for breast cancer research and outreach.
In preparation for the walk we had our very own Skinit artist, Jose Luquin, design shirts for our team to wear. We ended up loving the design so much that we decided to turn it into a skin. When you buy a Skinit Breast Cancer Skin, a percentage of the proceeds will go towards the American Cancer Society.
If you would like to join the SKINIT Team to walk, or make a donation towards our team fundraising goal, please do so online.
The iPhone 4S is available for pre-order today, and Skinit has all of the Apple iPhone 4 / 4S accessories you need to protect and personalize your device.
Identity is Everything
Reef Inspired: An Interview With Dersu Rhodes
