Japanese artist brings Ohtaki exhibit to sister city Lake Cowichan

Published 5:00 pm Monday, December 15, 2025

It has been said that painting is self-discovery; every good artist paints what they are.

Nonoka Kawasaki, a Japanese artist who was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido will be bringing her paintings to the town of Lake Cowichan for a two week exhibition before Christmas.

Kawasaki, who lived and studied in Vancouver for one year, held an international exchange exhibition in Ohtaki this past October. It was through that project that she became connected with its sister city, the Town of Lake Cowichan. This will be her first time travelling to Lake Cowichan.

“After holding my exhibition in Ohtaki, I began hoping to exhibit my work in Lake Cowichan as well,” said Kawasaki. “I reached out by email, and I was very happy when I received a reply from the Town of Lake Cowichan which was my first direct contact with the town. I am most looking forward to meeting the local people, seeing the natural landscape, and feeling the real atmosphere of the town. I hope to connect through art, and cultural exchange.”

Kawasaki first had the self-discovery that she was an artist at heart and began drawing seriously in the fourth grade after her teacher praised her artwork.

“At that time, I dreamed of becoming a background artist for Studio Ghibli,” said Kawasaki. “Later, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a painter; my long-term goal is to one day exhibit my work at the Vancouver Art Gallery.”

Kawasaki, really began to sink her brush in to her artwork in 2018, continuing to actively paint while working other jobs, but began working as a professional artist in May of this year. Her favourite medium to work with is acrylics.

“My favourite part is the moment when a painting begins to feel alive and connects emotionally with someone,” said Kawasaki.

When asked what inspires her work, Kawasaki said: animals, nature, life itself, and human emotions. To see some of her artwork visit her Instagram @kawasaki.nonoka.

“My use of rich, vibrant colours is strongly influenced by my time living in Canada,” said Kawasaki. “Through the gaze of animals, I express emotions and the feelings I experience at that moment. I am especially inspired by the idea of ‘the gaze of life’, the quiet but powerful energy that lives in all beings.”

Kawasaki will have her first time visit to Lake Cowichan from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, 2026. Her free art exhibit will be open to the public inside the Lake Cowichan municipal office during regular hours on Dec. 22, 23 and 24 and from Dec. 29 to 31.

“I hope people feel warmth, healing, and a sense of connection through my work, and that it stays gently in their hearts,” said Kawasaki. “I also hope they enjoy discovering the animals of both Hokkaido, and Canada through my paintings.”