Etsuko Kaji-Holley

Etsuko was born in Tokyo, Japan. Her parents encouraged her from a young age to practice ballet, piano, and painting. She remembers painting a pomegranate still life with enthusiasm. Etsuko continued art classes in school and studied English Literature and Western Fine Art at university. She also enjoyed traditional Japanese arts like Ikebana and Tea-ceremony. At Kobayashi Art Gallery in Ginza, she worked surrounded by renowned fine arts and artists and loved visiting museums and galleries worldwide.
After a corporate career in big cities, Etsuko is now a full-time artist on Vancouver Island, inspired by nature and supportive people. Her work draws from nature, organic shapes, feelings, and memories, with brush strokes influenced by Japanese calligraphy and Ikebana composition. Her passion for painting stems from internal and external energy (Ki) through yoga practice.

Etsuko primarily uses acrylics, along with charcoal, pencils, pastels,etc.. She enjoys experimenting with various tools, sometimes found in kitchen cabinets or thrift stores. She continues exploring new styles and techniques, both self-taught and through workshops.

Etsuko has completed one month Artist Residency program with the Association of Tournefou in a small French village in the fall 2024 . This artist sanctuary, surrounded by nature and historical structures, inspired her. She sketched during morning walks and created abstract paintings on canvases. The body of work she produced has been shown in the recent exhibition at Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre.

You will find her recent paintings at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria/ Rental & Sales, Ladysmith Art Gallery, Cowichan Valley Art Council, Piggy & Paisley tea house in James Bay , and various juried art markets on Vancouver Island. She has also participated in multiple solo, duo, and group shows, including a major exhibition with Leona Petrak at the Cowichan Performing Art Centre gallery in 2024. For the recent updates and upcoming exhibitions, please visit her website at etsuko.ca or her Instagram posting under etsukokart.

She is deeply grateful for the loving support of her family, friends, mentors, fellow artists, and the community.