My website: https://erika-abe.mystrikingly.com/

1. Portfolio
Erika Abe
Erika Abe

2. I stumbled upon a tree in the neighborhood one day.
Though it had no name, I was inspired by its simple yet intricate features. Layering different shades of ink, I carefully
depicted the tree's colors and depth.
In his autobiography, "Seeing God in Broad Daylight," printmaker Kiyoshi Hasegawa wrote about discovering the cosmic
melody in ordinary flowers and trees. He sought to capture their rhythm and feel a connection to something beyond
human knowledge. I too felt this pull as I sketched trees repeatedly.
My goal became to showcase the beauty of natural objects' complex and unbalanced forms, rather than focusing on their
equilibrium and regularity.
Painting the Tree
- The Universe Beyond the Branches
Dawn, 2023
Japanese paper, silver leaf, Sumi Ink, and mineral pigments
H1167×W1167mm

3. Sense of Wonder, 2021
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments,
gold leaf, and silver leaf
H1303×W894mm (4 pieces)
Graduation work
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength
that will endure as long as life lasts.”
- Rachel Carson
As I gaze upon nature, I am surrounded by the picturesque scenery of
trees, birds chirping, sunlight peeking through the leaves, fallen leaves,
and countless insects hiding.
The aroma of fresh soil after rain fills the air.
The unspeakable beauty of nature overwhelms me, and I remind myself
to capture these moments.

4. The Silver Tree, 2023
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral
pigments, and shell powder
H454×W158mm
A Tree of Night, 2022
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, and silver leaf
H1620×W1620mm
This work was inspired by Truman Capote's novel "A Tree of Night and Other Stories".
The tree is covered with sulfurized silver leaves. The abstract shape of the silhouette is overlaid
with the mysterious and beautiful appearance of the tree at night.

5. I paint many trees as motifs because I depict nature as an abstract concept.
Trees are the closest representation of nature in modern cities. Each tree has its unique patterns, depending on the
season, angle of view, and environment. Even the tips of their branches and leaves form delicate shapes that add to
their infinite variety.
The Storytellers, 2023
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, mica powder
H530×W727mm

6. Lure, 2023
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, and mineral pigments
H1167 ×W803mm
The octopus, a common sight among Japanese
people, has a unique shape that is unlike any
other creature.
Its unusual shape captivates me, and I have
visited the aquarium multiple times to sketch it.
Recent studies suggest that the octopus is highly
intelligent. While drawing them, I felt as though
they could read my mind and sometimes they
stare at me in a way that gave me goosebumps.
The smooth and unique movement of their
spiraling legs keeps me returning to draw them
repeatedly.
I try to capture the essence of the octopus by
drawing it as if it has a spirit in every spiral of its
body.
Octopus
- A fluid and mysterious figure

7. Abyss, 2020
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, gold leaf, and silver leaf
H1300 ×W1620mm
There is a profound admiration for the mysterious creatures that inhabit the deep and endless sea. Through my
exploration of the octopus in Western culture, I have come to appreciate the diverse perspectives on these creatures
and the ocean across different cultures.
To create a striking contrast against the dark Sumi ink, I incorporated gold leaf for the eyes and sulfurized silver
leaf for the suckers in my artwork.

8. Beautiful Seto island sea.
This piece is a depiction of the sea in my childhood memories.
Silhouette of silver-leaf-made shoal fish represents circulation of life and mysterious luck brought by a stunning sea.
Shallows, 2022
Japanese paper, Sumi ink,
mineral pigments, and silver leaf
H894×W1455mm

9. Twilight, 2020
(Connemara National Park, Galway, Ireland)
Japanese paper, sumi ink, and mineral pigments
H1303×W970mm
A White Horse, 2019
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments
H318×W410mm
Travel in Ireland
2019
During my several-week trip to Ireland, I witnessed unforgettable sights, including serene lakes,
stunning green mountains, and valleys.
Moved by the Celtic culture's belief in nature spirits and their storytelling, I painted these pieces.
It's interesting to note that both Japanese religion and Celtic beliefs share animism, which is the
idea that nature has a spirit or soul. Both cultures hold a deep respect for nature, seeing it as a
source of power, wisdom, and inspiration.

10. I visited the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland, where
the ancient Celtic culture still thrives.
I discovered an old cemetery belonging to a Celtic abbey
that has been overtaken by nature over the years. The
ruins of a monastery from the 8th century mark the rise
of Christianity in Ireland.
The Celtic people, who previously worshipped nature,
incorporated the new religion into their culture, similar
to the way Buddhism was woven into Shintoism in
Japan.
Although the stone abbey cemetery has decayed, it is
still functioning today as evidenced by the newer
surrounding tombs. I sketched the cemetery and created
a drawing on Japanese paper with conte, without a
rough sketch, to preserve the natural shapes. I added
Sumi ink and minimal mineral pigment colors while
retaining the conte lines.
The Shape of Rocks, 2019
(Inishmore, The Aran Islands, Ireland)
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, conte, chalk, and mineral
pigmentsH1167×W910mm (3 pieces)

11. Frame, 2017
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, shell powder, mineral pigments
H652×W530mm
Magnolia, 2019
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, coffee, and shell powder
H530×W455mm
This is an experimental work in which lines are drawn
in sumi ink and colored with coffee stains.
I drew the exquisite colors produced by naturally
occurring dyes.
Plants and Creatures

12. Northern white rhinoceros, 2019
Japanese paper, Sumi ink,
mineral pigments, and silver leaf
H1300 ×W1620mm
Northern white rhinos, who are the world's second-
largest land animals right after elephants, once
roamed the plains of East and Central Africa.
Over time, they were severely affected by illegal
poaching and habitat.
The world's last two northern white rhinos are both
female. This means that the critically endangered
subspecies can no longer reproduce naturally and
so extinction for the rhinos is looming with each
passing day.
Daydream, 2018
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments,
shell powder, and silver leaf
H1167×W910mm
Constellation, 2018
Japanese paper, mineral pigments,
and silver leaf
H350 ×W270mm

13. Barn owl, 2020
Japanese paper, color pencil,
and mineral pigments
H455×W380mm
Clairvoyance, 2019
Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments,
shell powder, and silver leaf
H910×W727mm

14. To me, drawing is like keeping a diary,
practicing a skill, and preserving
memories. As I strive to capture the
essence of my subject, I approach each
stroke as a gentle touch.
Daily Sketches