Kataoka’s artworks are known by their variety: from brush paintings to magic boxes (a hidden painting inside a box, that is only visible through reflections mirror divided in fragments) this second art form was in fact developed by Kataoka. Her word has been presented on important networks like the CBS, CNN, Wired Magazine and others.
She was born in Tokyo, Japan and spent most of her childhood there until her parents decided to move to the United States of America. There, she lived in Seattle, Washington D.C. and finally she settled in Silicon Valley. She graduated from Stanford University but her art education began when she was very young in Tokyo.
Some of her artworks have integrated Sumi-e (ink wash painting) techniques with gunshots, alpine snow water, hospital beds and heartbeat recordings. In recent times she sent a painting into space for the principal zero-gravity art display at the International Space Station.
Kataoka’s not only an exceptional artists, she is also a philanthropist. She created the Rotary Arts Scholarship in 2001 and this one has been given to 11 artists. Other charitable work includes Coaches vs. Cancer, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Stanford CAL Camps for Underprivileged Kids, Legal Aid Society, the Stanford Native American Indian Organization, the Black Community Services Center and the Pacific Art League.
Besides art, spirituality is a big deal for Kataoka. She turns out to be a perfect mix between these two, also she claims to have Japanese Samurai heritage and studies a 2000 year-old art form of Japanese brush painting.
Drue received the Martin Luther King, Jr. (Research & Education Institute) Award due to her wide public service. Kataoka is part of the board of the Djerassi Residents Artist Program, the eldest and biggest artist internship on the West Coast. She lives in California at the Silicon Valley but often travels to Tokyo, New York and Europe.