Artist Spotlight - Chihiro Pierce
Who are you? What do you do?
As a professional watercolor artist from Kobe, Japan, I discovered my love for painting at a young age. I honed my skills at Musashino Art University, specializing in oil painting. With over 25 years of experience, my works have been juried into national and international exhibitions, receiving high acclaim. Residing in Juneau, Alaska, I find inspiration in the region's enchanting rainforests and mountains, capturing them in my art. As a Brand Ambassador for Daniel Smith, I use environmentally friendly paint, aiming to inspire peace, healing, and care for the environment through my watercolor paintings, connecting people to the beauty of the world around us.
Who/what inspires you?
I often find inspiration in the fleeting moments of everyday life. For example, when I'm walking through the marshlands of Juneau and see the vibrant wildflowers blending into the landscape, or when the wind rustles through the trees and sparks an idea. Even observing the wildlife and the scenery they inhabit can be a picture-perfect moment that sparks my creativity. I always keep my senses open, ready to receive inspiration.
What is your favorite moment in the process?
The moment I start adding colors to the paper with watercolor paints, I feel a surge of excitement. Seeing the colors blend and spread on the paper as I layer them is pure joy. After letting the initial layer dry, applying a second glaze and watching the three-dimensional effect emerge is incredibly satisfying. And witnessing the final touches with a third glaze, as the painting comes to life with heightened perfection, is simply thrilling. All in all, the process of applying the paints is an enjoyable journey.
What is a trick of your trade or a piece of advice for artists in your medium(s)?
My advice is to maintain a consistent daily routine. Plan out your mornings and decide what you'll do when you wake up. Building healthy habits like exercise and a nutritious diet is crucial for both your mental and physical well-being. Incorporate time for your creative pursuits, like picking up a paintbrush, into your routine. Once these activities become habitual, the future you envision will be within your grasp.
What’s next?
I aspire to enhance my artistic skills in depicting flowers with greater beauty, so I am determined to revisit and research my color application techniques. I also aim to harness the power of composition and value to create even more alluring paintings.
Is there anything you would like promoted in May specifically?
I am thrilled to announce that my artwork has been selected for the prestigious National Watercolor Society (NWS) Member Exhibition! The exhibition will be showcased at the NWS Online Sales Gallery from May 4th to June 30th, 2023. You can view my artwork at https://www.nwsexhibition.com/ and catch highlights on NWS's YouTube channel.
For more information, please visit the website at https://nationalwatercolorsociety.org/.
-Where can we find you?
Facebook art page
https://www.facebook.com/chihiroartworks
Instagram page
https://www.instagram.com/chihiroart
Website
https://www.chihirostudio.com/
My original paintings and limited edition art prints are currently on display at Annie Kaill's gallery in Juneau, Alaska.