“I often gaze outside thinking about materials for my work. I wonder when I’m on the street, what is the best material for that women’s hat on my canvas? In the dark subway platform, which black do I need for this place? It’s fun watching people, in the train, on the street, and in the parks, etc. Recently, I realized the most important thing is to know the finishing moment in my work, or else the image speaks too loudly or noisily. I put my favorite painter’s postcards on the wall in my studio. They help me decide the correct moment for completion of my work. Every material and color has its own words.” –Hiroko Wada