Tetsuo "Leo" Orii's art career began in 1962 working for the Japanese branch of the American publishing firm, Grolier Society. Recognizing his talent, Grolier promptly sent him to the United States to illustrate and design book covers for them. Once in the United States, he attended Chouinard Art Institute specializing in color and design, illustration, and advertising design. He went on to become the design coordinator for Bigelow Sanford Carpets. In 1970 he became an independent tapestry artist and manufacturer and, later in the 80's, a designer and manufacturer of fossil stone furniture. He has now returned to his true passion...impressionistic oil and acrylic paintings.