About
My name is Sunni Kuraoka, I was born in Kailua, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Since early childhood, I have been an artistic person creating intuitively.
I was influenced throughout my early life by my family, specifically my mother and her sisters who were all artists. The power of nature is seen in my work through the use of color, organic shapes and line. In later life, motherhood and feminism have become important influences in my life and work. Painting and drawing help me connect with intuition and spirit.
I believe that humans are born creative, and artists are born through the relentless pursuit of that creativity. I studied art through playful experience, learning while exploring mediums and techniques. Self-study, trial and error; and learning the works of artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Marc Chagall, Joan Mitchell, and Elaine de Kooning to name a few.
I work primarily in acrylic, graphite, mixed media, and digital. I currently work from my home studio in Chandler, AZ.
Exhibitions & Shows:
Chandler Center for the Arts - “The Art of Everyday” Show - February 15 - April 5, 2025
Downtown Ocotillo - Chandler, AZ - OAG 2024 Juried Holiday Show - December 14, 2024
OneOhOne Gallery - Mesa, AZ - TAG Member Show - May 3, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Downtown Ocotillo - Chandler, AZ - OAG 2024 Juried Spring Show - April 20, 2024
Gallery 4, HD South - Gilbert, AZ - GVAL 21st Juried Fine Art Show - February 17, 2024 - March 23, 2024
Down Town Chandler - Chandler, AZ - Down Town Chandler Art Walk - October 22 & November 5,2023
Gallery 4, HD South - Gilbert, AZ - GVAL Member Show - October 6, 2023 - November 18, 2023
Gallery 4, HD South - Gilbert, AZ - GVAL Member Show - October 15,2022 - November 26, 2022
Residencies:
Thrive Together Virtual Residency - Spring 2024
Thrive Together Virtual Residency - Fall 2024
Upcoming:
Tempe History Museum - “Past, Present, and Future” Show - March 2025
Tempe History Museum - “Art & Music Through Humanities Lens” collaboration with CAFE - March 29, 2025 3 pm
OneOhOne Gallery - April 2025