Growing up in a small village in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Kaoru Mansour was always drawn to creating things from scratch. She initially studied science in college, but left after two years to work at a graphic design office. In 1986, she moved to Southern California where she pursued her passion for visual art, while taking extracurricular classes at the Otis Art Institute.

      “My work is rooted in the belief that kindness is a powerful force. Most of my art is a way to gently connect with others. I hope it offers a moment of stillness and warmth.”