k.mae studio: photographer for people and food

08/03/2026

Words can't express how grateful I am for my experience with 84 Yesler . I have had the most incredible time documenting their collaborative dinners with local wineries, breweries, and growers who are deeply committed to sustainability and food quality.

Owner, Susumu Takahashi and executive chef Christina Siegl brought me on board to build their brand's creative assets and truly showcase the exceptional quality of the food and service at 84 Yesler . From day one, they were open to new ideas and prioritized partnering with local food producers and small businesses so we could all grow together. They also generously offered their expertise to partner with non-profits like Stewardship Partners and Tilth Alliance helping to raise crucial funds for the causes and practices they believed in.

They cared deeply about their staff, welcomed me in like a member of the team (almost like family!), and trusted my creative vision. They even gave me the opportunities to exhibit my fine art photography during Art Walk. Beyond the restaurant, they genuinely cared about help revitalizing Pioneer Square, making people feel safe, and bringing a vibrant energy to the neighborhood through unforgettable dining experiences.

is closing its doors on August 15th, and it breaks my heart. There is no magic formula for small restaurants to survive, but I truly hope that businesses like this, which are passionate about serving quality ingredients, treating their staffs with genuine care, and uplifting their community receive all the recognition and appreciation they so deeply deserve.

If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by one last time and enjoy their delicious food and cocktails.🩷

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NphCjq2SE/

07/24/2026

Exciting news! My fine art photo greeting cards are now available at a gorgeous, woman-owned flower shop, Cedarhouse Flowers in Wallingford. Along with stunning floral arrangements, they carry awesome goods from local artists. Stop by and check it out! 💐🌷🪷🌸💕
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❤️

06/25/2026

We are currently showcasing the work of at Gallery Belltown Condominium
☘️
MARI-ANN KEYSER: Pacific Palette & Wild Kin, acrylic painting
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MARI-ANN KEYSER: Pacific Palette & Wild Kin
After thirty years in Texas, Mari-Ann finally followed a lifelong desire to call the Pacific Northwest home. Since arriving, She has been captivated by the region's incredible palette and vitality, fueling a non-stop season of painting. This collection is the result of that inspiration; it combines her deep-rooted love for animals with the awe-inspiring natural beauty that now surrounds her every day.”
Originally from South Africa, Mari-Ann is a versatile artist whose work is inspired by a lifelong love of nature and animals. Her creative journey began as a professional photographer for a local newspaper in Johannesburg where she mastered darkroom techniques and black-and-white imagery before transitioning to fine art in 2017.
After evolving from detailed colored pencil and Pan Pastel work, Mari-Ann found her true passion in textured acrylics and oils. By using a palette knife, she creates vibrant, “touchable” paintings that offer a unique sensory connection, making her art accessible and engaging for individuals with visual impairments or sensory sensitivities.
Mari-ann is an award-winning artist and dedicated marathoner with over 30 races completed. She infuses every canvas with the same passion and joy that has defined her lifelong journey across the globe.

💐
Location: Gallery Belltown Condominium
Please contact to view this beautiful
work in person ☺️
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06/20/2026

Today, I’m participating in a pop-up celebrating a local flower shop's beautiful new location in Wallingford. A few amazing local businesses and artists will be there showcasing their work, and I’ll be featuring some of my greeting cards along with a limited number of handmade kimono bags and purses! If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and say hi! 🌸✨

June 20th, between 12 PM and 4 PM
Location: 1901 N 45th St, Seattle WA 98103

https://www.cedarhouseflowers.com/new-space-celebration
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06/04/2026

I’m so incredibly honored to be a finalist in this year’s in U.K. under the Food at the Table category! 📸✨

This photo was born out of pure "right place, right time" magic at "Feast on the Farm" event. I was lucky enough to spend a gorgeous Washington evening capturing the team behind —owner Takahashi and Executive Chef . I’m so thankful to have been there to document beautiful people, a fantastic cause, and unforgettable food.

All of the finalist images are currently featured in the public exhibition at in London from 3 - 7 June 2026. If you love food and happen to be in London, I highly recommend checking out this exhibition! You won't want to miss it.

Huge congratulations to every single photographer who shared their incredible work and stories with the world. The talent on display this year is absolutely inspiring!
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05/24/2026

I am honored to be a part of the Visual Arts Gallery for the 2026 : Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is an African philosophy, congregating humanity with the common phrase, “I am because we are”.. As we reflect on the lessons learned from the last 4 years–Metamorphosis, Lagom, Meraki, and Ikigai–we look to the concepts identified with Ubuntu as a way to re-examine our interconnectedness, our solidarity with one another, and our commitment to treating each other with respect and dignity.

My limited-edition photograph from Osaka, Japan, is currently on display alongside some truly incredible work by local artists. If you are in the area, please come by and enoy the show!

📍Location: The Window Gallery (located on teh north end of campus, along the K Promenade walkway inside McCaw Hall).
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05/18/2026

We had Friday night dinner at a cozy, hidden gem of a French-Japanese restaurant. The owner and chef is actually from Osaka, just like me! Every dish highlighted fresh, seasonal vegetables and tasted absolutely delicious.

First photo 📸
asparagus corn dogs
spring vegetables with miso bagna cauda
Second photo 📸
parmesan crisp asparagus risotto
caramelized scallops with herbed couscous
Third photo📸
Pistachio mousse cake with raspberry gelee
soy sauce ice cream
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05/14/2026

05/08/2026

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be participating in the Issaquah Art Walk this weekend, May 9th and 10th. It’s the perfect way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend!
Our exhibition, “Bloom,” features vibrant, flower-themed works by myself, Royal Phoenix, and Antoaneta Georgieva. Together, we’re exploring the symbolic and sensory power of flowers through our three unique artistic voices.
I’m especially excited to showcase a limited collection of handmade bags crafted from 100-year-old inherited kimono fabrics—a special gift from my friend, Katsuko. I will also have a selection of cards available. Perfect gifts for the mother’s day!
I’ll be at the gallery to greet visitors on Saturday, May 9th, from 5 PM to 8 PM. I would love for you to stop by, say hello, and enjoy the show!
Best,
Kayako
Date&Time:
May 9th 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
May 10th 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Historic Shell Station Art Gallery
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