The Kyoto Series of work was actually the culmination of works inspired by my initial responses to visiting Japan - that of awe, reverence, and nostalgia. I was also taking classes at Tokyo University of the Arts in lacquerwork, also known as "Urushi". Many of the colors of this work was inspired by colors associated with urushi. I lived in Japan for 6 months with the fellowship grant received by the Japan/US Friendship Commission in 1995.