Hidden Flowers

An illuminating memoir of one woman's journey through motherhood, loss, disability, and the power of artistic self-expression exemplified by the Japanese concept of "Hidden Flowers," which emphasizes the beauty of unexpected moments.
Single mother. Japanese-Canadian. Empty-nester. Immigrant. Artist. Scientist. Wheelchair user. Community organizer. Survivor. Many words can accurately describe Keiko Honda, yet no one word or phrase fully encompasses the complex identity and fascinating life of this remarkable woman. Grappling with emptiness, loneliness, and the challenges of aging following her daughter’s departure for university, Keiko faces a new phase in her life—a life that has been filled with amazing achievements and debilitating setbacks—through deep introspection and reflection-in-action.
This memoir is an exploration of shifting identity, transition, artistic expression, and community building. It investigates the forces of attachment, belonging, cultural expectations, and the intricate dance between tradition and modernity. It reminds us of the transformative power of art and its ability to bring people together, especially in an era when isolation is epidemic. Illustrated throughout with Keiko’s watercolour paintings, ranging from moody landscapes to family and pet portraits to semi-abstract scenes of modern life, Hidden Flowers is an inspiring journey that will bolster the spirits of anyone who is experiencing a difficult transition in life or looking for a creative outlet.

Keiko Honda is a scientist, writer, community organizer, and painter based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She holds a PhD in international community health from New York University and had a research career at Columbia University, which was interrupted when she suddenly contracted a rare autoimmune disease that confined her to a wheelchair for life. After moving to Vancouver in 2009, Honda began hosting artist salons, for which she was awarded the City of Vancouver’s Remarkable Women Award in 2014. Shortly thereafter, she founded the Vancouver Arts Colloquium Society to bridge generations and cultures through the arts and to offer members of marginalized communities opportunities for artistic self-discovery. She teaches the aesthetics of co-creation in the Liberal Arts and 55+ Program at Simon Fraser University.