Through a combination of digital painting and print, she constructs scenes of resplendent kitsch, made up of palm trees, motels, neon signs and swimming pools, all inter-dispersed with structured lines, tiles or interior architecture. She takes inspiration from retro pop culture.
Her particular series of 80s inspired images are testament to her artistic knowledge and interpretive skills. Having grown up as a teen in this era, she was immersed in the art, movies, commercials and TV series that formed the distinctly recognizable flavor, color and style. Listening to the musical strains of a range of classics, the 80s moods return to mind and allow her to transfer these images from memory to print.
A painter at heart, Honda also uses Photoshop to amplify her prints with a strong, modern punch that simultaneously exaggerates the old-school vibes and catapults the designs into the 21st Century. Hoping to inspire feelings of nostalgia and love in her audience, Honda pulls on the heart strings of those who long for the lost era with gentle nods to pop cult trends of motels, Michael Jackson (circa “Thriller”) and playful tacky shades of Boogie Nights that make us yearn for a disco pool-party where it was completely acceptable to wear feather boas, sequins and heels.
With a fun, fresh and youthful perspective, Honda builds the people of this era without directly depicting them. Abandoned lilos, mirrors and iconic posters hung on the walls allude to the people who lived and enjoyed the glitz and glamor of a very particular 80s lifestyle that is fondly remembered. By capturing the Hollywood movie feeling of the decade, her stills feel like film sets captured through the smoky lens of a well-loved Polaroid.
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