Japanese artist Momoca studied fine art in California, where she explored millinery, fashion design, painting, ceramics, photography and graphic design. Momoca’s material of choice today is paper, which she discovered when Alice Waters approached her to help with an Edible Schoolyard Project Fundraising Dinner. Momoca's background in hat and cloth pattern making — as well as the Origami all Japanese children learn — came together in extraordinary floral creations.
In her travels, Momoca was captivated by Milagros, the religious folk charms traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings in Mexico. They are often arms, legs, and other body parts typically nailed or pinned to crosses or wooden statues of saints or hung with ribbons or thread from altars and shrines for protection and good luck.