As I began working in culinary jobs in California, my curiosity about food expanded into the roots of my own flavor, Washoku. Naturally, this curiosity led me toward teaism and I became particularly intrigued by tea room architecture. Why do we create a designated space for the simple act of serving and being served a cup of tea? What unfolds within that space, and how does it shape our experience?
 

Series #1 installation was inspired by Taian — one of the tearooms designed by Sen no Rikyu, considered to be the ultimate expression of wabi aesthetics, it is rustic and smaller than most tea rooms. At the time, my collaborator/host, Iko Iko Space, was located on the top floor, in a nearly 100-year-old landmark building called The Woman’s Building, which once housed an education center founded in the 1970s to support female artists. In this very space, soft daylight poured in through the skylights and filled the entire floor with glow.

I created a tearoom in this space.

 

A space for daydream.

Light and flowy.

An extraordinary moment takes place within. 

A bowl of  tea and snacks are served.

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