Established: 1902
519 Sixth Avenue S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206)623-0100
mail to: info@napost.com |
   
Serving As Your Voice of the Nikkei Community Since 1902
Local Artists Exhibit Sumi and Paper Art
By Kristin Okinaka
The exhibit "Sumi-e/Kami-e: Fumiko Kimura and Taiko Suzuki" is being presented at the M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery at Seattle Central Community College now through April 25. Fumiko Kimura and Taiko Suzuki are both local artists who demonstrate expertise in calligraphy, printmaking, and collage.
 Born in Idaho, Kimura is a 2nd generation Japanese American who is the recent recipient of a Return to Creativity grant. Regarding her work she writes, "My works are about exploration of past history and memories and finding an appreciation for my cultural background in the process." She adds, "Often times there is a great mystery in not knowing the outcome of the pieces. I am challenged by the uncertainty."
An artist's spirit and emotions are expressed through his or her work. Kimura does this and no two pieces of hers are the same. Though sumi ink is black, her work has splashes of color provided by other materials such as watercolor and colored paper. Many different kanji characters are incorporated into her work as well that contain a meaning to the overall piece. Different shapes are also used, especially reoccurring circles.
"In The Beginning" is one of Kimura's pieces being exhibited where the kanji characters she has created appear more old fashioned with the strokes of each not being as precise as they normally would be. The white fabrication of the paper looks like it could be the wind. Being from the Pacific Northwest, Kimura draws upon elements that surround her, which is evident in her piece titled "Cascade Foothills" which is a mixed media piece.
The second artist whose work is currently being exhibited is Taiko Suzuki. Suzuki is a paper artist and printmaker who is also an instructor with Seattle Central's Continuing Education Programs. When asked where inspiration for her work comes from, Suzuki replies, "Inspiration for my artwork comes mainly from my childhood in Japan. (They are) mainly natural forms which I further abstract to represent a contemporary idea."
In Suzuki's artwork that was present at this exhibit, a variety of colors have been used especially of the warmer variety. Birds were one of the natural forms that were represented especially "tsubame" (swallow.) One of her main goals for her artwork is to present the viewer with an attractive image to enjoy as a result of color, pattern, and textures of the natural world.
"In the development of an original design concept, I like to present in the works a progression and development of the imagery which arise as the complexities of the printmaking medium are resolved," Suzuki states with regard to creating different variations of similar pieces.
The pieces in this display were well spaced and organized in the gallery that is quietly tucked away in the corner of the busy cafeteria atrium in Seattle Central's main building. There was a helpful description present on Kimura's works however nothing is visibly present on Suzuki, which was a shame. A guestbook lay on a table where visitors could leave comments. All the comments written were positive and supportive with statements such as "Full of creative energy" and "Exquisite!" Overall this was an exquisite exhibit that should not be overlooked. Seattle Central is located at 1701 Broadway with the gallery opened from 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission is free.
|
|