With a background in Japanese traditional performing arts, and time spent in Hawaii and Brooklyn, Yuri’s cultural experiences continue to inspire her work today. Her Sumi and Shu series began in 2000 from her fascination with the inks (sumi is Japanese for black ink and shu for cinnabar ink) and their intricate ties to history, including shamanic rituals around the world. The power between the two colors showcase Japanese aesthetics, a yin and yang balance of stillness and movement, and allow viewers to connect their own culture and heritage to the work.