Fumiko Toda has been painting insects since she was a girl in rural Japan. To escape what Fumiko felt was a repressively uniform society, she regularly escaped to a nearby pond and spent hours observing and playing with bugs and other wildlife. She resists sketching and reference materials but her work still reflects an obsessive level of intricate detail, repetition of forms and patterns. This bright, warm piece is meant to be both joyful and mysterious.

Fumiko was born in Mie, Japan, and now lives in NYC with her dogs, cats and partner. She has a degree from the Kyoto Art and Design University and has shown her art in Japan, Thailand, Mexico and the United States.

This original "Butterfly Away" is a 22" x 28" one-of-a-kind artist's proof  - a specific impression taken during the printmaking process in order to evaluate the printing plate while it is being worked on by the artist. The original piece combines several printing techniques including etching, chine colle, hand color and monotyping.

Meet Fumiko >