Born and raised in Japan, Tomoko discovered her passion for the circus arts early in life. She trained at Circomedia in England and became an aerial artist, performing internationally alongside her husband. Their careers as self-employed circus artists led them to Cavalia’s Odysseo, a grand touring production that traveled across North America. Tomoko’s sewing skills also brought her into the costume department, before she returned to the stage as an aerial artist, performing until her retirement in 2016.

 

Touring with Odysseo marked a turning point in her artistic evolution. Daily interactions with horses—touching, running with them, and braiding their manes after shows—inspired her to paint them with thread. This became her entry into the world of embroidery. Following the tour by vehicle, Tomoko and her husband visited many national parks. Camping, hiking, and backcountry adventuring further deepened her connection to the landscape, shifting her artistic focus from horses to untamed nature.

 

Today, rural life in New Brunswick, Canada continues to inspire her work. From lichens and mosses to ice and snow crystals, Tomoko creates embroidered pieces that blend her life experiences with the beauty of the natural world.