Artist Bio

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May Izumi was born and raised in Honolulu. She studied art at the University of Hawai‘i, YWCA, Honolulu Museum of Art School, and Hawai‘i Potters’ Guild. Her work can be found in the collections of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Honolulu Museum of Art, and in private collections around the world. Her bronze sculpture, “Mr. Chickenpants”, was unveiled in 2019 in the garden courtyard of the Hawai‘i State Art Museum.

 

Artist Statement

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I am one of those people who love stories and words. I squirrel them away in my mind until they show up in my imaginary waiting room of possible works and demand that I give them something to do.

 

One of the most satisfying things about incorporating stories into art is that often it generates even more stories. Many times people who see my work tell me more stories in return. This shared storytelling makes for greater communication, promotes understanding, and, I think, makes us realize that we are all a lot more alike than we suspected.