A story within stories...Over years of numerous trips to Japan, I grew attached to its humble storefronts—some tucked away on quiet streets, others alive with the bustle of daily life. Encouraged by a few locals I met, I began painting these scenes in 2021 as an act of remembrance and longing, while I was not able to travel there.

During this time, my recurring character, Annie the Canadian fox, emerged—a gentle observer, a wanderer, a reflection of myself. Through her and other characters, still scenes began to breathe and whisper their own stories. These paintings trace the space between memory and presence, distance and belonging. Through color and quiet detail, they keep my world near, even when it feels far away.