Aki Sogabe was in middle school when she imitated a papercutting illustration from a newspaper using origami paper. Since then, she has continued the practice of cutting paper to create art.
I Am the West video shoot by The Autry Museum and KCET
Aki Sogabe introduced kirie to the Pacific Northwest in 1978. Her works are included in the collection of the State of Washington, the State of Oregon Public Art, Fort Lewis Base, and many other state and private collections. Her works are displayed at more than 30 public schools in Washington (elementary through university).
Her public art displays are installed in the Pike Place Market, Nikkei Manor and Uwajimaya Village in Seattle.
She is also known as a children's book illustrator. She received the Golden Kite Honor Award in Illustration for "The Loyal Cat". Her original illustrations were selected to the NY Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing. "Kogi's Mysterious Journey" was selected to the New York Society of Illustrators Original Show.
Aki Sogabe currently lives in Bellevue, Washington.