Artwork copyright Erika Harada. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Shinrin Yoku, 2021

Erika Harada
(Japanese-American, born 1985)

Location: Star Lake Elementary, Kent

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Shinrin Yoku by Erika Harada is a representation of forest bathing, the therapeutic practice of spending time in a forest, intentionally connecting with nature. It is a large linocut print that was printed using a steamroller, at the 2021 Wayzgoose Kitsap festival.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Asia Tail in April 2024 for three Federal Way Public Schools in South King County. Asia chose graphic works that are as bold and diverse as the students, by artists with ties to South Puget Sound. Images of language, people, and the natural world create a poem for this place where students live and learn. She notes, "School is a place where we can connect with new families. And families are always strongest when working together."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Erika Harada is a textile artist with a focus in textile design, printmaking, and illustration. They are a 1.5 generation Japanese-American with a Japanese mother and yonsei father, and very deep roots both in the U.S. and Japan. Much of what inspires them comes from their background as a bi-cultural person, along with the unique, natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Harada is based in Bremerton, Washington.