Keisen Hama's sculptural Kissho dragon brings hope to all people, and especially to New Yorkers. Swirling through space, the forms express the internal energy that makes people reflect on their inner self. Kissho is the name of the celestial nymph who brings happiness from the previous life. The dragon is considered a protectorate god of the sea, or in this location on the Hudson River.

Elements of traditional Ikebana are important in Keisen Hama's work. She prepares for her work through mental concentration and by focusing on her inner self, practices she developed through Ikebana. Hama's unique technique of curving bamboo slowly and carefully is also derived from traditional practice. She uses all parts of her body; fingers, palms, knees, feet and toes to feel the respiration of the plant. The triangular shape of the joint, a part of the plant that is usually discarded, fascinates her and was the trigger forTokky, a nickname for the projections that have become a signature element of her work.

The planning of Hama's projects follows the harvesting cycle of bamboo, which is cut in November when the plant stops absorbing water from the soil. For each project she develops an idea, drawings and dimensions to determine the amount of bamboo required. Once obtained, she cuts the bamboo vertically, peels off the skin, determines the lengths that she needs, then cuts each piece with an electric saw. All of her projects for the year must be planned and accounted for in advance.

Keisen Hama studied with Kasen Yosimura, Head Master of the Ryusei-Ha School. Her works have been awarded special prizes four times from 1993 to 1997 at the Art Festival in Mito, Ibaragi in Japan. She presented solo exhibitions in Japan at Harajuku Quest and Inax Gallery in 1998, and at the Tokai Station Gallery in 2002.