Chika (Chikako Yamaguchi)
An abstract artist based in Ishikawa, Japan.

Chika began her artistic journey after experiencing a difficult period in her life, during which painting became a way to reconnect with her own senses. Through color and texture, she expresses inner emotions and light, creating works that gently bring a sense of quiet color into everyday life.

About the Artist

As a child, Chika loved gazing at the night sky and immersing herself in imagination. On sunny days, she played outside; on rainy days, she enjoyed coloring. She also attended a children’s art studio, where she experienced sketching, drawing, and oil painting.

After getting married, she devoted herself to raising her three children, leaving little time to reflect on herself. Although her life was meant to be happy, she carried a lingering sense of emptiness.

During a particularly painful time, she encountered a single painting that brought her back to herself. In an instant, her gray, colorless days were illuminated. As she began to paint with a clear and empty mind, emotions that could not be expressed in words gradually transformed into art. Through this process, she felt as though she was engaging in a dialogue with herself.

Since then, she has come to deeply appreciate the simple beauty of everyday life: feeling gratitude for the sun, savoring food, listening to music she loves, watching the clouds, nurturing plants, enjoying scents, and noticing the gentle chatter of birds. Each day has become a quiet celebration of ordinary happiness.

Looking back at the works she has shared on Instagram, she feels that with each painting, she is slowly healing.

Among them, the piece “感情-Awakening Emotion” holds special significance. During the third layer of painting, she found herself choosing yellow and pink, colors she rarely used. As she placed them on the canvas, it felt as though her childhood self leapt from deep within her heart, moving freely and joyfully, like a child finally released.

She clearly felt her emotions come alive. When the painting was complete, her heart felt lighter, yet at the same time filled with a quiet, rising energy, an experience that left her in awe. She believes this light emerged from continuously turning inward and observing herself.

Just as that one painting once helped her rediscover her true self, she hopes that her work will reach those who need it, bringing them the colors they are searching for. With this wish, she continues to paint.