Featured Artist MJ Okawa

Artist MJ Okawa shares a vibrantly colorful collection of silk paintings that celebrate the natural world. Enjoy and discover more of her portfolio on her website.

 

 

I never expected to become a professional artist in my late 50s—but here I am, joyfully painting, exhibiting, and connecting with collectors across the country.

 

 

For most of my life, I taught visual and performing arts in schools and ran community theatres. I loved creating spaces where others could shine. But the shimmer of silk kept calling me back. Years ago, I fell in love with silk painting—its shimmer, unpredictability, and the way light plays across the surface. What began as a hobby evolved into a deep and intuitive practice that I now pursue full-time.

 

 

My technique is a blend of tradition and invention. I use metallic gutta to outline each design, then layer vibrant, jewel-toned silk dyes. I add salt, sugar, and even alcohol to create organic textures and effects. Each piece is wrapped around canvas and framed, transforming the softness of silk into bold, dimensional works of art. There’s always a bit of magic in the outcome—and witnessing others’ emotional responses makes the process even more meaningful.

 

 

I’m drawn to landscapes, botanicals, and the beauty of the natural world. These paintings are my way of expressing gratitude, celebrating joy, and finding connection through color, light, and movement.

 

 

In the last year, I’ve gone from painting in my kitchen to showing at international exhibitions, galleries, and fine art festivals. Starting in September 2025, my work will be exhibited as part of On the Edge Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale.

 

 

I’m deeply honored that my work now hangs in collectors’ homes around the country. Each painting I create carries a bit of my heart—and nothing is more meaningful than knowing it resonates with someone else.

 

 

I’m still growing, learning, and evolving. But what I know for sure is this: art has the power to uplift, to spark joy, and to remind us of the beauty all around us. That’s what I aim to share, one silk painting at a time.

 

MJ Okawa invites you to follow on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

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