Nancy Hayashibara was born in Carson, California in 1970. In 1988 she spent a semester at Long Beach State majoring in interior design. In 1990 she moved up north to attend Sonoma State University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Music (Piano) and Fine Art (Printmaking).

 Her earliest inspirations were stories. Since her childhood, Japanese fairytales have fascinated her. She has also been drawn to various mythologies as well. Her work conveys a sense of myth with a touch of fantasy. They seem to be small parts of a larger story. 

 It stands to reason that the musicians which inspire her work are known as storytellers; in particular, Maurice Ravel, Kate Bush, and Laurie Anderson. She takes the approach of a storyteller -  giving a glimpse into the events of certain people, or creatures, and capturing small moments in time. Most of the stories she depicts come from dreams. Scattered throughout the gallery are the excerpts from her dream journals that coincide with certain images. 

For Nancy her creation of images is about developing a personal mythology. "People underestimate myths. Religion, history, the founding of nations are built around myths. Part of understanding oneself is finding one's own mythology."