{"title":"Yoshiko Ratliff","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"max-height: 300px; max-width:55%\" src=\"https:\/\/helloart-prod-bucket.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/media\/artist\/yoshiko-ratliff\/yoshiko-ratliff-profile.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYoshiko Ratliff is a DC-Metro area-based painter and award-winning ceramicist.  She was born and raised in Japan and uses her artwork to show the beauty and authenticity of the culture and her heritage.  Her works rely on abstract organic underpainting with shapes and shades forming integral elements of the finished pieces. \r\u003cbr\u003e \r\u003cbr\u003eShe is a Member Artist at Touchstone Gallery in Washington DC and has exhibited her work at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities I Street Gallery, Athenaeum Gallery, Joan Hisaoka Art Gallery at Inova Schar Cancer Institute, the Mansion at Strathmore, three times at the Creative Crafts Council Biennial Exhibition, Glenview Mansion and other galleries nationwide as well. She had two designs and ten stormwater covers installed for the City of Alexandria Old Town North Stormwater Cover Design Project. \r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eHer work is found in US and international private and corporate collections and in the 2022 and 2025 DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities permanent collection (acquired through the Art Bank program). She has received many awards and has been featured in publications and radio interviews.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eARTIST’S STATEMENT\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eI am a painter and an award-winning ceramicist. My paintings combine abstract and representational forms and structures. I strive to discover and use various techniques, materials, and surfaces to expand and enliven my vision and means of artistic expression.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eI paint in several mediums including acrylic, oil and cold wax, and gold leaf, often blending and combining them where appropriate or interesting.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eMy works rely on abstract organic underpainting with shapes, textures and shades forming integral elements of the finished pieces, often incorporating influences of my Japanese heritage.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eArt is therapy for the artist as well as the viewer.  Through art, we can all gain access to wonderful, magical images, moods, and mindsets. These can allow us to transcend our daily burdens and cares and to look outside ourselves toward brighter and better paths\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"golden-memory-1","title":"Golden Memory #1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGold leaf, acrylic on wood cradle panel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30x24x2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI've walked the Tidal Basin at peak bloom more times than I can count, but there's one particular evening light that has stayed in my memory. That's what started this painting.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eThe whole surface is built on red - I painted it dark first, then laid gold leaf over everything. The leaf is so thin it doesn't fully cover everything, so the red finds its way through, and that tension between the two colors is where the warmth comes from. Then came layers of painting and sanding and repainting, coaxing the water into something luminous, and the sky into that soft glow just before the sun goes down.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eThis photograph of the painting doesn't do it justice - the gold shifts with the light, and the depth in the water disappears in a camera. You really have to see it in person.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822685388903,"sku":null,"price":4670.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779920678_11654.jpg?v=1779979557"},{"product_id":"masked-male-dancer","title":"Masked Male Dancer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic, 24 karat gold leaf on wood cradled panel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30x40x2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNoh is a classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed since the 14th century.  This is a painting of the main character from Dōjōji, a famous Noh play, and demonstrates the complex, intricate beauty of the costumes worn by Noh actors.  The main character is a female but is played by a male actor in a mask.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822693646439,"sku":null,"price":6370.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779974658_34122.jpg?v=1779979718"},{"product_id":"blueberries","title":"Blueberries","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e40x30x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlueberries are something I keep coming back to - there's a geometry to them I can't get enough of.  Each berry its own little universe of indigo and violet, no two quite the same inside.  I outlined them in white to give them room to breathe, and let the tendrils wander where they wanted.  Structure and looseness, holding each other up.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822739685479,"sku":null,"price":3820.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779917587_86077.jpg?v=1779981383"},{"product_id":"last-gift","title":"Last Gift","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e40x30x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe contrast is what drew me in - snow still holding on the peaks while everything below is already blooming. That moment when winter and spring occupy the same view, each one refusing to let go of the other.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eI painted every cherry blossom petal individually, shifting the pink and white slightly each time so no two are quite the same. The foothills are built on organic forms underneath, with wildflower colors layered over to suggest that first rush of spring color at the valley floor. It's slow, patient work — but that's what the subject asked for.\r\u003cbr\u003e\r\u003cbr\u003eThe title came last. There's something bittersweet about that overlap of seasons. A last gift before everything changes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822739980391,"sku":null,"price":4670.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779922677_44200.jpg?v=1779981399"},{"product_id":"festive-sash-1","title":"Festive Sash #1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30x30x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJapanese Wedding kimonos and their sashes accentuate and complement the beauty of the bride, and also incorporate patterns and designs symbolizing long, happy marriages and celebrating the season.  I used metallic, interference, and iridescent paints to create different gold color tones and to show the delicate beauty and complexities of the threads and fabrics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822748696679,"sku":null,"price":4670.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779967619_77628.jpg?v=1779981805"},{"product_id":"shogun","title":"Shogun","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic, 24 karat gold leaf on wood cradled panel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24x30x2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShoguns were the military rulers of Japan several hundred years ago.  This painting is of Tokugawa Ieyasu, shown here in a fighting pose in his battle armor, who was shogun from 1603 – 1605 and who started the Edo period of dramatic economic and cultural growth in Japan.  \r\u003cbr\u003eTo show the delicate beauty and the complexities of the fabrics, surfaces, and colors of the battle armor, I used 24 karat gold leaf and a mixture of metallic acrylic paints to create the colors used in the painting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822748958823,"sku":null,"price":6090.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779968516_98963.jpg?v=1779981847"},{"product_id":"wedding-kimono-1","title":"Wedding Kimono #1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic, 24 karat gold leaf on wood cradled panel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24x30x2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis silk robe is worn over the top of a Shiromuku bridal kimono (white simple silk kimono). The fabric was woven with silver thread to make patterns in the background of the plum blossoms which are the first flower to bloom in the spring and are known as the ‘Flower of Peace’. A protective charm against evil, they also represent longevity, renewal, and perseverance. They are identified by rounded petals.  I applied 24k gold leaf for the plum blossoms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822749024359,"sku":null,"price":5660.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779970868_51609.jpg?v=1779981865"},{"product_id":"wedding-kimono-2","title":"Wedding Kimono #2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic, 24 karat gold leaf on wood cradled panel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24x30x2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis silk robe is worn over the top of a Shiromuku bridal kimono (white simple silk kimono). The fabric was woven with gold thread to make patterns in the background of the cranes which are believed to live for a thousand years and to inhabit the land of the immortals. They symbolize longevity and good fortune. A pair represent a happy marriage. I applied 24k gold leaf for part of the cranes and over the cherry blossoms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43822749122663,"sku":null,"price":5660.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1779971827_30466.jpg?v=1779981880"},{"product_id":"higher-and-higher","title":"Higher and Higher","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24x18x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe painting depicts a girl at the peak of her swing, ready to launch above the water, representing the desire to go beyond limitations. Goals, it is believed, can sometimes be confining, and this artwork celebrates freedom found in pursuing upward movement without a destination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43830307749991,"sku":null,"price":2555.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1780058322_84977.jpg?v=1780060461"},{"product_id":"effervescent-elephants","title":"Effervescent Elephants","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30x20x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eArt serves as therapy for both the artist and the viewer, providing access to uplifting images and mindsets that help us transcend daily burdens and seek brighter paths.  For this painting I used several bright color layers as underpaintings and added torn newspaper for background texture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43830323773543,"sku":null,"price":2130.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1780060151_11128.jpg?v=1780062840"},{"product_id":"desert-dreaming","title":"Desert Dreaming","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30x40x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe painting was inspired by my visit to the mountains and desert near Sedona, Arizona last year.  In times of stress and uncertainty, art is therapy for the artist as well as the viewer.  Through art, we can all gain access to wonderful, magical images, moods and mindsets.  These can allow us to transcend our daily burdens and cares and to look outside ourselves toward brighter and better paths.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43830326755431,"sku":null,"price":4685.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1780060522_14801.jpg?v=1780063064"},{"product_id":"ocean-dream-1","title":"Ocean Dream #1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on wood cradled panel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60x30x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI usually begin with underpaintings to create organic shapes that represent the currents and depth of colors in undersea habitats. Subsequently, I employ negative painting techniques to emphasize key elements. This approach allows me to accurately depict coral, sea creatures, and especially, sea turtles. Diptych.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43830839246951,"sku":null,"price":7095.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1780065263_84843.jpg?v=1780065561"},{"product_id":"ocean-dream-2","title":"Ocean Dream #2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e40x30x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI usually begin with underpaintings to create organic shapes that represent the currents and depth of colors in undersea habitats.  Subsequently, I employ negative painting techniques to emphasize key elements.  This approach allows me to accurately depict coral, sea creatures, and especially, sea turtles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43831131144295,"sku":null,"price":4685.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1780059320_16181.jpg?v=1780066457"},{"product_id":"ocean-dream-3","title":"Ocean Dream #3","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcrylic on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e40x30x1.50\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI usually begin with underpaintings to create organic shapes that represent the currents and depth of colors in undersea habitats.  Subsequently, I employ negative painting techniques to emphasize key elements.  This approach allows me to accurately depict coral, sea creatures, and especially, sea turtles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshiko Ratliff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43831132848231,"sku":null,"price":4685.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1780059619_99533.jpg?v=1780066501"}],"url":"https:\/\/helloart.com\/collections\/yoshiko-ratliff.oembed","provider":"helloart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}