Sumiyo Toribe was born in Kyoto, Japan during September 1973.  Toribe studied art throughout her education, but began painting seriously when she joined the graduate painting program at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 1996. Her works have been published in several magazines and newspapers and been featured on local television. She instructs art classes online, privately and at the college level.  She has participated in juried, group and solo exhibits, received several awards, a grant, and published the art book Painting by Lyrics. She participates in several juried art shows throughout the year. Sumiyo expresses her daily experience through watercolor, sumi ink, and oil paint.