Fall 2024

Warriors,” an homage to strong women, exem- plified Matsumoto’s boldness at the easel. Matsumoto’s work at CHOMP was vital, and they wanted her full time, but she’d come too far to give up any painting days. She had followed Mother Teresa’s inspiration for nearly 30 years, but now, all digits crossed, she made the emo- tional leap from medical professional to profes- sional artist. April 2024: Matsumoto moved into her epony- mously named Carmel gallery.A marine scientist’s commission evolved into her signature “Sea Otter Masterpieces,” depicting the whiskered creatures in settings from famous paintings. So far, Matsumoto has completed 24 of these whimsical “masterpieces”—think Vermeer, Dalí, etc.—and 50 ‘’otter’’ characters await the spotlight. Recently, Matsumoto founded Creative Connections, a club whose mission is "Create to Inspire. Inspire to Create." The salon-like month- ly gatherings offer a forum for local artists to col- laborate and motivate each other, a place for participants to explore their potential. In this venture, Matsumoto continues to nurture oth- ers. Matsumoto reflects: “I’ve always felt guided; my life is like going through a passage and some- one always shows me the way.” Her adventurous spirit and seemingly endless creativity are her steady companions as Edi Matsumoto lifts her brush for her next inspiration. Edi Matsumoto Art & Design is located on Mis- sion and Fifth in Carmel. For more information, visit www.edimatsumoto.com or call 831/596-5157. (Above) Matsumoto’s portrait “Elizabeth” adorned by a piece of wearable art. (Below) “Oiran Glance” is a piece from Matsumoto’s Japanese themed series. Her “Goddesses and Warriors,” an homage to strong women, exemplified Matsumoto’s boldness at the easel.