kojibeya

展示会8/2〜8/28

2011-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

I set up my artworks at Arisu no Mori(アリスの杜) a nursing house in Hiroo, very close to Arisugawa park until tomorrow.
It is not a gallery but there is a huge common space between a convenience store and a restaurant. Anyone can go inside to see but it seems like they close the space around 5:00pm..... (if there is nobody at the restaurant, they close earlier.)
If you have time, please take a look! I will be the last day which is tomorrow, 8/28 around 2:30pm, and take down my work by 3:30.

Exhibition in Ropponngi(ギャラリー楓樹）

2011-05-24T07:45:00.001-07:00

This is my second exhibition in Tokyo!
Please come and join me.

小島舞展
May 22nd(Sun.)-28th(Sat.)
ギャラリー楓樹（Galley Fuju）

11am-19pm

Whether the canvas is big or small doesn't matte!

2010-09-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

These are my favorite. The blue painting is from my exhibition 2009 and the green painting was too. However, you may not remember the green one because I re-painted and created different image on it.

I used to make heavy thick paintings and sometimes it became too muddy. So, I know I must be careful not making too sloppy. I have to decide when the painting should be done.

The size of these paintings is F８（45.4×38.0cm）. It's not big but I spent lots time with them to paint, think and see from the distance. Maybe some people think a bigger painting is harder to create than small one. Physically, yes it is hard. Think about, before painting, getting some wood blocks for making frames at Home Depot and taking a bus with them..... This is my experience and I DO NOT want to do this anymore.....! However, if the canvas is there, I believe whether the canvas is big or small doesn't matter. It is still the same amount of work.

I hope I can keep making good quality work!

Like my prints.....

2010-09-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

These are from my exhibition in 2009. I can't believe it has been a year from my first exhibition and I felt bad because I haven't posted anything since then.....

Like my prints, these paintings are subtle. I used thin layers of paints again and again and created vague atmosphere. I was just thinking about the space and depth, not obvious shape.

It might be hard to tell what I mentioned since the photos are so poor, but I hope you can feel it!

瞬間＆出会い

2010-09-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

I painted these two this spring for my wedding. At that time, there were no title and I even didn't take a look at these ones since I was so busy for the wedding! After the big event of my life, I have been looking at my paintings and finally came up to the titles. On the left is "Moment", and the right is "Meeting".

I guess these reflect my feelings!

irise (French Dining)

2009-11-27T03:14:00.000-08:00

I hung my oil paintings at irise, French Dining in Roppongi.
When I went to the restaurant at the first time, I felt my works would be great on the wall!
Fortunately, I had a great opportunity to meet an interior designer for the restaurant and she also recommended me to put my works there! I was very glad she did feel the way I felt about the artwork and the restaurant.

The restaurant is very cosy and food is excellent!
Please come to the restaurant and enjoy food and Art!

昨日より、４点ほど油絵を「イリゼ（irise）」におかせて頂いています。
初めてイリゼに行ったときから、自分の作品がこのレストランに合う！と直感していました。
ラッキーな事に、そのレストランのインテリアデザイナーさんに会う機会があり、絵を飾る事を勧められました。本当に、彼女もレストランの雰囲気と私の絵が合う事を感じてくれて、この偶然に感謝です。

是非、麻布十番、六本木にお越しの際は、イリゼへお立ち寄り下さい！！！

irise
6823 Building B1F, 6-8-23, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3408-3470
ブログ：http://blog.livedoor.jp/iriseroppongi/
(It's located in front of Tsutaya starbucks near Keyakizaka.)
（けやき坂下のツタヤスターバックス交差点目の前、お花屋さんの隣の地下一階です。最寄り駅は、六本木or麻布十番、徒歩７分。）
Works are on sale!(作品は販売しております！）

Atelier 21 Group Exhibition／第一回「アトリエ21」作品展

2009-09-24T04:27:00.000-07:00

I am in the group exhibition, Atelier 21 the first group exhibition, starts Sept. 24th-29th.

I go to the studio, Atelier 21, to create my lithography. It is a private studio and located in Ota-ku, near Yukigaya Otuka or Tamagawa. I've been there since I came back to Japan, and I also was there before I became a grad student. I like the studio because it is organized so well, and clean but the main purpose to go there is a teacher, Junko Matsusima. She is my mentor in Japan. She always give me some advice when I have a difficult time to crete a print. She knows lots of technical knowledge; if I ask her one question, she can answer me the answer with 5 or 6 new things! At the gallery, there is some information about the studio, so if you are interested, you must go there!

Location: もみの木画廊　(Mominoki Garo)

Direction: From Jiyu-gaoka station, take main exit, and go to left side. Before the railroad crossing, there is a narrow road. (corner is Japanese sweet shop, 亀屋万年堂）Go strait to the road and turn left on the Gakuen St. On your right side, there is a Moinoki Gallery on the second floor.

It takes about 5,6 minutes from 自由が丘Station.　

If you have time, please take a look!

Juncture

2009-09-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

I used this image called "Juncture" for my post card. Actually, I was working on a different print for my card but when I finished the print, I wasn't sure if I am happy... I usually get a certain feeling when I finish to crate a print. Unfortunately, at that same time, I couldn't get the feeling. However, I was lucky to have this small print, "Juncture" which was very close to finish. So, I completely changed my mind to use this print for my card.

I learned from this print many things because I printed in a unusual way (for me...). I made a lot of mistake while making this print but that was my great "happy mistake!" It took a long time to finish but it worth it!

Juncture at Gallery Beaux

2009-09-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

My exhibition finished last Saturday, Sept. 12th, and it went very well!

I put 3 prints from GMU and 6 recent prints, and 10 paintings including super small one.

Thank you for everyone to come to see my works! I didn't expect to see this many people...!

Now I am wondering what's next for my prints.... After I rest myself, I will work on my print!

Here are some photos from the show.

Top left is my paintings and me. Top left is my prints from George Mason and a painting.

Bottom is near the entrance and my new prints 2009.

I better to get good photos of my prints and up date on this blog!

My First Solo Exhibition in Tokyo!

2009-08-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today I have good news to announce....! I am going to have my solo exhibition in Tokyo! I have had a solo show in the US but not in Tokyo, and am very excited!

Mai Kojima/小島舞 "Juncture"

Date: Sept. 6th - 12th. (12pm-19pm)

Place: Gallery Beaux(it's located in Higashi Ginza)

Please come to see my works from the US and Japan!

日本版画協会／Japan Print Association

2009-04-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog for a long time....
Coming back to my country was a huge transition of my life, and it was not that easy.... However, I was lucky to find a way of creating my art work! I go to a printmaking studio in Tokyo, Atelier 21, established by a professor, Junko Matsushima. I used to make my portfolio over there 5 years ago.... Now I am back! I also start going to other studio, Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts . There are lot of artists and I can get a lot of information and make my community!

Since I came back or decided to come back, I haven't applied any exhibitions. But my good friends, Johanna Mueller and Jake Muirhead from GMU are in exhibitions and working as artists with their strong will. I gotta do it!! So, I currently in a printmaking group exhibition, Japan Print Association ! Getting in the exhibition was one my dreams....
Plus, I decided to have my first solo exhibition in Japan in September.... I will update more information and new work later!

Metamorphosis Art Fair

2008-09-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is my 3rd time to join the Metamorphosis! I was very happy to be there to meet and talk with art lovers. Their comment is the huge encouragement and motivation behind my work. I can create my works myself but need to hear general opinions some point. This show is the great opportunity... I can meet not only artists and my friends but also people whom I don't know. Through my works, customers and I talk and share some ideas. Plus, some people ask me questions, which I never think about!

This was my last time to attend the show since I decided to go back to my country.... Changing my visa status was hard for me. I did find jobs but there was no way to proceed my visa. I studied very hard to get my degree and found jobs, and just started my career... If someone can support my visa, I could stay and work. There are jobs in front of me but I just can't work because of my visa... I felt so unfair. But when I was creating my works, I realized that I could do anywhere. It is not that bad if I can't stay here in the US. If I have a strong will, I could be an Artist. Someone told me that my work is cheerful; make people happy. Now my art is the one who cheers me up!

Process

2008-08-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Is this still in the process? Or am I done with this painting?
I have been thinking a lot for this painting.

Now I can say it is done!

Lead 6 x 6

2008-08-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

絵の具をのせる、絵の具を散らす。
キャンバスから距離を置き絵をみる。
白色で覆う。
キャンバスの色も絵のイメージ。

また絵の具をのせる、散らす。

気づくと私の絵ができていた。

Leading(Top) and Brainstorm(Bottom)

2008-05-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

These are my small paintings, too. I exhibit these four small paintings at Artomatic, so if you would like to see the real ones, please come to the show! It runs June 15th!
http://www.artomatic.org/

Small Paintings: Selfish(top) and Pull In/Pull Out(bottom)

2008-05-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I usually don't create small paintings or prints since I attract to big space. It is so funny because I used to dislike to create big images.... Anyway, I started these paintings two years ago. It was one of my professor's suggestion, "Why don't you create small ones?" I tried painting at that time but I was not happy my images. It seemed I forced to create images, and the image didn't breath themselves. I always hope that my image has own soul and moving around. I want my image to be active. I covered my old images but some parts you can see it. This process is very similar to my print but I am not sure if I think about this when I created.

Artomatic in DC

2008-05-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Artomatic is a huge show in DC. There are about 800 artists and exhibit their work. I am one of them and am very glad to show my work over there. Especially, on the "meet the artists" night, my friends visited me and I met positive viewers!! Receiving a good comment gives me great energy!! Please come to the show and see my work!!

Demonstration

2008-03-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

On March 29th at National Building Museum, I did my first demonstration for the Cherry Blossom Festival. I really didn't expect to do it on a stage talking through the microphone..... I of course was so nervous because I don't like to talk in front of a lots people and still I am not confident to speak in English. But the end, I realized that I was comfortable and enjoyed to do it!

Recently I have been working woodcut with color. The mark-making is fascinated! I still need to study and explore how to print with water-based ink since I couldn't get a good print using that. Plus, I need to master some printing technique. Using water-based ink, I can create beautiful gradation but it needs to practice. Currently, I barely have time for my art due to my work schedule, but then I realized that if I don't create any works, I would be so frustrated. Art is a part of my life.

Growth

2007-09-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

I started one painting without any shapes over the summer. It was much spontanious. Probably I got a lot of influence by Helen Frankenthaler. I believe this is the new approach and I need explore more.

Negative space

2007-09-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Using space was my main study in this year. These paintings are spacious because I left negative space a lot; however, I believe that I also activate the space as well as my subject.

Huge!

2007-09-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here is my huge painting.(8'x6') My professor always asked me to create big paintings... There were a lot of physical works included but I was so glad to make this one. More bigger..... I would like try!

Space

2007-06-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

この版画は、自分の油をかなり意識して制作したものだ。去年の暮れから今年の始めにかけて創ったものだが、自分の版画と油のイメージをどう繋ぐことが出来るか、と考えていた。版画ならではの微妙な色、油で培った空間の表現。また線の面白さもこの作品をマイラーの上に描写している時に意識し、それぞれを掛け合わし仕上げたのだ。個人的に、ふんわりと何かが浮かんでいる感じが気に入っている。つかめそうでつかめない、そんな雰囲気をだせたと思う。　

Radius 250

2007-06-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

One of my painting is in a group show in Richmond.
Please check the web-site. www.radius250.org

Also, I am having a group exhibition,
"Atmosphere-A Woman's Prerogative" in Capital One Gallery, McLean, VA.
I submit my prints but also my digital photos. I've never expected to show my photos because I am not a photographer. I just studied about digital photo for one semester. But I do like my image because it is simple but has a strong concept behind.

This time I took photos Tibet monks in NY but I have a huge project in my mind. I do want to take a photo for Uighur.
I do not know when I can do it but I really hope document their life.

2007-06-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I've kept away from a lot of colors for my paintings. The reason? My painting became muddy when I used many colors, and I became to like to use particular colors on my canvas. In the beginning, I was doing the same process, same colors and same movement. However, after a few stages, I followed my feeling and put vivid colors. I did not remember what I was doing. One day, I went to my studio and just painted from inner myself. A couple hours later, I realized that my painting became colorful but also had energy. This one needed to be expanded. So, I tried not to destroy this energy. At that time, I thought I was keeping this energy but when I checked the painting from a distance, I realized that my painting lost the energy and became small.... Even though the painting was almost done, I flipped up side down, and kept painting.
My professor kept saying that you should not feel comfortable when you paint. You need to face or create problems, and solve it. I did not understand this meaning for a long time but now I understand what he said. This painting gave me a lot of problems but I faced it and thought about. For a few weeks, I did not touch this painting but finally I finished it. It was a long process but I learned a lot.

2007-06-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

I created these paintings in January for my show. You may realize that I deal with a lot of empty space, and also, these look like drawings. Since I was teaching a drawing class at that time, I was thinking about the line quality and positive and negative space. These elements are basic but also significant for my art.
One huge different between last paintings and these paintings is the canvas. I used to use a canvas with jesso but I changed to a raw canvas. I feel the raw canvas creates depth in my image. My subjects are floating or dancing in the space. My professor told me that I was trying to mimic the white color on the paper to my canvas. Even though I was not conscious about that, I automatically used jesso, which is white color.
I was glad that I was brave enough to try the new idea before my exhibition. There is always a risk but we need to take a risk to go through a new stage.

Photos for my exhibition!

2007-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my exhibition!!
These photos show how I hung my work in a gallery. Hope you feel if you were in my exhibition!!
Enjoy!

My MFA Thesis Exhibition

2007-03-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my postcard! The title of my exhibition is "DANCE", which is also my name in Chinese character.
My show is at George Mason University, Fine Arts Gallery on April 2nd- April 10th. My reception is April 5th 7-9 pm. I am getting ready and very excited. If you have a chance, please come to my show!

Etching

2007-03-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

This etching is from last year, around this season. I remember I changed my image again and again. Sometimes I feel my etching is not floating, just stay one part. My essential point of my artworks is being presence. I always want my image moving around, then, creating own rhythm and going to my depth.
It is hard to draw my image on the etching because I can not draw like using oil pen or pencil on a paper. I could draw using a needle but I am not good at controlling the tool. So, I decided to work on the etching plate with painterly approach with a brush. Eventually, I see the depth in my image.
My etching is more quiet then any other prints. I wonder because of the color or strong line quality or.... For me, etching is so hard to work on.

Keep Changing

2007-01-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

I worked on my big paintings last semester. I used to paint a lot, then, created a thick surface. I liked the way it turned; however, I knew I always lost something from the early stage. Some people responded my painting in that stage. I also liked it because it has more air and my honest marks on the surface but I always thought that if I finished in the early stage, I felt unfinished.

During a graduate seminar, I had a hard critique on my thick painting. Unfortunately, everybody agreed that my painting was overworking, and still unfinished. I didn't agree with them but I wondered myself why people think that way. What is the problem on my painting? I really need to response. Finally, I started a new direction which is less gesture or marks. It was interesting because I spent more time thinking than painting. I had to think a lot because I did not want to loose my airly surface but I also wanted paint. Where should I make a mark? When should I stop? I kept painting a little, and stepping back from a distance to see my painting.

During painting these three, I noticed that I was thinking about less my shape. I actually thinking about space, a huge empty space. Even though I could create a space with a lot of paint, I wanted to follow this new direction. It is spontaneous and unexpected.

I just started my new direction. I am not sure if this is work for me, so I just need to keep painting.......!

Litho

2006-10-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

These are my lithograph. I used to study litho in my country but in my current school in the US, there is no press for the litho. So, I needed to go to other studio to print. Last November, there was a great opportunity to meet one Japanese artist over there. He creates beautiful prints. I learned litho from him again, and we printed together. I was very happy with my prints. I believe since I study screenptint, my litho has subtle layers. My previous litho prints, these were not subtle. I love the subtlety because it creates depth, and also reflect my personality.....

one mylar

2006-10-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

I usually use a few mylars to draw for screenprint. This print, Relation, I just used one mylar and exposed many different times. The different time exposure is important for the print because I could get several texture. I liked the texture but I am still not sure about the color, green. In my opinion, green is very difficult to make.... I like the light green but I do not like the dark one. I need to study more color....

Atmosphere

2006-10-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

I created this screenprint(top), Atmosphere, over the summer. I like this one because it has very subtle layers and the sense of delicacy. As always, when I printed, I didn't see any colors but gradually, the layers created a strong impact of the color. I could feel it. Also, I believe that this print has the power for people to take a look closer.

On the bottom, I created the print, Alone, after the last summer. I was thinking about the relationship with others because I just came back from my country at that time, and then, in the US, a few important people of my life moved away..... At that moment, I had very difficult time to adjust but I also realized that there were still some people who supported me.
This print has sense of sadness but maybe you feel some hope from the color. I just wanted to create a print that is very honest my feeling.

Monks with hope

2006-10-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

I usually don't have a political concept for my art. However, after studying from my mother's friend about Tibet, and there was also a great opportunity to take a picture, I wanted to create my image with Tibet.

I took this picture through fence because I wanted this image to show about the situation in Tibet. At the same time, I considered what Dalai Lama said, "compassion for anyone." If you look at monks' faces, they were smiling even though their situation is difficult. Also, the sunlight leads us a hope.

Digital Photo

2006-10-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Seeing a view through the lens is different experience to me. Also, it is very difficult to take the moment because I need to adjust shatter speed or f-stop. Even though I take many photos, I hardly get a good image that I want to.

Here is my favorite photo. One weekend, I went to NY to stay with my mother's friend. I had a very good time with her. The interest thing was a hotel we stayed was also the same one that Dalai Lama and many monks stayed. In fact, there was a Dalai Lama's study at the theater in affiliation with the hotel.

Many people from Tibet wore traditional costume and had white clothes. The people were waiting for Dalai Lama, and I thought their faces were so calm and also their gesture was beautiful.

Metamorphosis Art Show

2006-09-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today I had a show in Arlington.
Metamorphosis Art Show

It was my first time to join that type of shows.
I met many great artists and people, and learn many things.... Then, I finally sold my work...!! I've never expected to sell my work in the show, so I was very surprised. I was also glad to meet positive viewers....

The experience made me work on my art more....!

Group Exhibition in DC

2006-07-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

My group exhibition, Scratching the Surface: A Survey of Artists in the Washington Region, has just started.
The show is at Hillyer Art Space and more info, please check the web-site.
Hillyer Art Space

Two of my screenprints are in the show, and I am really appriciated this opportunity. Actually Last Friday was the opening, and there were so many people came to see the show. Many people told me that they loved my artworks. I was very happy to hear and also their comments gave me more motivation to create art.

Hopefully I will have show in near future....

Big Paintings

2006-05-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

The left painting is the biggest painting. The size is 6 feet by 6 feet. The end of this semester, I made the flame even though I barely had time. I think that somehow I could get huge energy if I became intense. The busyness, sadness and loneliness made me so strong, and it influenced to my art.
I was thinking about my friendship a lot this semester. Usually my art is about my shape, ellipse, and composition, but recently the shape became human figure to me, and they are having a conversation.
Actually, this idea came from my print. My art, print and oil painting always affect each other even though the materials are different. I believe that keep studying both is important.

Screenprints (Conversation II III)

2006-05-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

I am happy with this prints. I like the way my subject and background engaged each other, and there is a interesting space between them. Moreover, I printed different colors. I usually print with color except black,
but in the bottom print, I printed with black in the beginning, then printed with white. I think this is very successful because my print seems to come out from the paper, and I feel the print is more painterly.
I always thought black is too strong for my art, but since I know how to layer colors, I would like to try using black.

Oil Painting (舞う-Dancing-)

2006-05-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

I've been working on 5 feet by 5 feet canvas since the last semester. Last semester, I started painting two canvases. Even though I already had a critique, and it was not so bad, I felt my two paintings weren't finished. This semester, I painted over my last ones.
For me it is very difficult to explain about my painting. Sometimes I follow my instinct without thinking, then after a while, I know what I am doing... And I, of course, observe paintings a lot from a distance....
Even though it is hard to say about my painting, I am very sure that this image or color and any my images relate with my personal life, especially relationship with my friends.

Conversation I (Screenprint)

2006-05-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

I created this screenprint after our print show. I was very flustered at that time because I couldn't manage my time for my artwork. My second critique was disappointment for me since I just had one print, which is also unfinished. However, I talked about this to my friend and we discussed how we could manage our study, I felt much better.
This print's title is Conversation I. I wanted to express how important my friendship was. While creating this print, I was thinking of my good friend. My friend, she is like a angel. Having a conversation with her, I could be able to release my stress from my difficult moment.

Green Etching

2006-04-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

This etching print is one of my favorite, and it will go to my parents. When I started this etching, I made a huge mistake on plate. My plate had false bite, which left very tiny dots, everywhere. So I had to scrape out a lot. I was very dissapointed with the mistake, but after scraping, the mark of false bite turned better. In fact, I like the effect of the bite because it gave my plate much depth and movement.

この銅版画は私のお気に入りです。父の誕生日に日本へ送る予定でしたが、結局未だ私の元にあります。最初にこの銅版を腐食したとき、グランドが薄かったのか、版全体に細かい点が残ってしまいました。1日中、その点を消す作業をし刷った結果、その失敗が意外にも効果的になりました。絵に不思議な空間を与え、また静かなようだけれど楕円が動いている、そんな絵に仕上がったと思います。

Color Etching

2006-04-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

These are my color etching prints. These three prints are created by two plates. On the left, I printed three times using two plates, but I actually flipped one of the plates. Because of that, the prints got depth. I know that the registration was off, but I like the way it is. Also, my shapes are very simple, but I can see that they are floating in my space.

Before I created three color etching prints, I done two colors flipping one of the plates. I remembered it was an accident because I didn't pay attention the direction of my plate a lot, then it just happened. Printmaking has a lot of indirect process, for me it is very hard to imagine what looks like after printing. However, I like the good accident.

これらは、色銅版画です。はじめて多色刷りをしましたが、思った以上の効果に自分でも驚きました。ただ、シルクほど色の調節が出来ず、これからの課題です。静かながらも、楕円が浮かんでいるような、動いているような感じがとても気に入っています。おそらくこれが版画ならでは効果なのかもしれません。

Etching

2006-04-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

These are my etching prints from the last semester. This(on the left) is my second etching at my school. Actually I did the first one during the last semester, but I didn't like it.... Then I started the second. I haven't done many etching plates but I learned a lot from Jake, who is also a graduate student. This print has two colors, which are black and blue, and I liked how I put the colors. Also I enjoyed creating this plate because this was sort of my experimentation, and I found many interests on my etching.

This etching relates with my screenprint because at that time I was wondering if I created my artwork on the different printing materials. I can't say which is better, but I think I like to create with colors.

銅版画は大学生時代に数回作った事がありますが、それも昔の話しですっかりプロセスを忘れてしまいました。同じ院生のジェイクさんに色々技法や材料など教えてもらい、どうにか創ってみました。院に来て二回目の銅版画（左上）、ということで実験感覚で創った作品ですが、色んな効果を学んだと思います。左下の作品は、シルクスクリーンの作品、「人のバランス」を創ったときに、同時に創ったのものです。「一体、違う版の上に同じ課題を刷ったらどうなるのか・・？」という疑問からできました。ただ、自分的には「色」を重要視しているので、黒の一色刷りよりも多色刷りを試すべきだったかもしれません。

Silk Screen

2006-04-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my screenprints. I created this(the left one)(
人のバランス）last semester. At this time, I interviewed with two great artists. And I used their techniques on my print. One of the techniques is wax. I put wax on my print after printing. It might be hard to see it, but in the background I used pink, blue and yellow oil ink with wax. I think it is very effective because it gave my print more color. I am very happy with this print.

This is a sequel to the top print（二人のバランス） because I was thinking people a lot. My artwork is usually about composition and color, but through meeting great friends and realizing how people help my life, I needed to express the significance of relationship with my friends. In Chinese character, people(人), needs two lines because people can't consist by one person. I believe this....

This is my self-portrait（自分）. One of my class in this semester, I am having a difficult time. Because of the class' assignment, reading and writing each week, I need to spend many time instead of creating my artwork. Even though my classmates, who are Americans, said that the class is extremely tough because we have to read philosophical papers a lot. I should not complain about this, because I am the one who chose to study, but, again, I needed to express how I stuck on an academic class....!

この3作品は、3月にあった学校の展覧会に出品したものです。去年の学期末から、薄い色を重ねて、自分の色を創る、という事に執着しています。時間はもちろんかかりますが、一つ一つの作品に今まで以上の愛情がわき、また微妙な色を操れるので作品に深みが出てきたと思っています。また、自分のなかでのコンセプトが徐々にうまれ始め、自分の楕円、そして人への思いが組合わさり、新たな絵が出来てきたのではないでしょうか。イメージは一作品事に変わってきます。これからどうなるのか、自分でも楽しみです。

Finally...!

2005-12-15T06:52:00.000-08:00

I just finished my first semester yesterday! I am still tired, but feel great! This semester (or I may need to say "this year") was crazy and busy, but unforgettable in my entire life. I also think that this year is the huge transition to be an artist seriously since I have a place where I can create my own artwork. I, of course, studied a lot, but without my parents, family, professors and friends' great help, I am not be able to do that. I really appreciate everybody who supports and encourages me.

I haven't posted anything for a month.... So, I'm going to put my new artwork later. Here is my fifith oil painting. I changed the color a lot and I also thought about the space. Except that, I don't need to mention anything, but I hope people to feel and inspire somehting from the painting.

I'm going to keep creating my own artwork during the break. We will see what's gonna happend next....!

Self-Portrait

2005-11-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

This is my self-portrait...I guess. In my printmaking class, our project was to put any parts of our body into an artwork. I liked the idea a lot, but I didn't want to use my photo which was a flat image since I preferred texture on my artworks.

I think this is slightly different from my previous ones. Maybe I added my current feelings to this piece. I usually think about my memories and create my images into my art. However, I have been thinking what happened in my life recently. This year I experienced so many things including good and bad, and it still continues. I thought why I can draw or paint with my present feelings.

Probably, some people get a sad image from this. Of course, I sometime feel sad because the life is not easy.... But main reason I used the color was I love blue and white. I believe the combination of the colors is perfect, like the sky. Seeing the sky influences my image.

少年よ大志を抱け！

2005-11-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is my new oil painting(56×48 inches). I have never done this kind of big painting in my life. I, of course, was afraid of painting on this canvas, but I was also asking myself, "Why you are afraid?" Through this conversation myself, I think I overcame this size.

I actually made the frame. One of my friend taught me how to make, and I stretched the canvas myself. When I finished to streach it, I was physically extremely tired, but I also felt soooo great!

Recently I've just made the bigger canvas with a professor and one of my classmates. I don't know what I am going to paint or where I am goint to be, but "ambitious" is important！！

講評会/Critique

2005-10-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Critique・・・毎月何度とも無く開かれる。版画の講評会、大学院生版画の講評会、油絵の講評会、大学院生の油絵の講評会・・・。それぞれ、月一回または2.5週間に一回、生徒が教授・クラスメイトの前で、自分の絵について語る。そのため、もちろん作品がないと語れない。しかも、あまりしゃべれない私にとって絵をつくらないことには始まらない・・・。もともとリトグラフ専攻の私であるが、訳あって現在の学校では制作できない。おかげで自分の専門以外を作り続けなければならない。はっきりいって、今の私にとっては大きなハンデである。大学院は自分の専門を研究する所なのに、今私は新しい分野、そしてその説明を英語で受けている。リトができるならそんなにハンデを負っているようには思わないだろうけれど、シルクなんて一回くらいしか作った事が無い。。。

初めての講評会は先月あった。もちろん、他の院生は夏の間に作品を作りその成果を発表した。私は・・・？？出せるようなものはまったく無かった。日本で作ったリトグラフも、大きかったので持ってこなかったし（もちろん、こちらの学校でリト制作をする気満々だったから）、シルクも手順を理解するのにやっとで、作品が出来なかったからだ。講評会は、みんな「You are fine!」って言っていたけれど、自分にとってはちっとも良くなかった。ただ、「次の講評会では、徹底的にやってやる！」と自分に誓った。

今日、二回目の版画＋写真科大学院生の講評会があった。プレゼンは、ただただがむしゃらでまた思うように自分の言いたい事が言えたか疑問ではあるが、作品は自分が納得する数（4点）、仕上がりだったと思う。シルクを制作するうえでかなりの事を試したし、制作のリズムが出来たと思う。教授も、制作ペースに少々驚いていた。これも、一緒に制作しているジェイクのおかげかもしれない。なにしろ、彼のペースはスーパー早い。でも一緒にいるので、そのペースにいい意味でプレッシャーを感じながら巻き込まれている。

私のcritique weekは始まったばっかり。来週はまた油の講評会が待っている・・・。「ういろう」をむさぼりながら、また頑張らなくては。。。

Artist Statement for Free Culture Remix

2005-10-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

As my class's assignment, I read "Free Culture" by Lawrence Lessig. Reading the book was tough because the book related to Law, like copyright, piracy and intellectual property. I know Law is very significance because our life is protected and safe. However, reading the book, I also found that sometimes some people including young generation (There was an example of a college student case.) are violated by Law. The fact made me very scared. In general, I use the internet without thinking about Law. I was wondering if we really pay attention to Law while using the internet.

For my FCRemix, the idea is vague. I think the book didn't mention what was right. The author described our social situation with recent technology that affected Law. Through my artwork, I wanted to create different feelings and reactions from people with Law. In society, some people are happy, on the other hand, others are not with Law. I printed by silk screen people in very simple and almost same shapes and put some colors that meant feelings. If you look close to my artwork, people's atmosphere are different. A person is happy without any problems, a person is thinking or trying to duplicate something, a person is surffering from Law. People's surface is same but their inside is different. In addition, I also wanted to mention that the people's feelings and situation could be changed suddenly. Some people are happy right now, but we are always not sure how our life affects law. That is why I overlapped some colors.

I didn't put any words on my artwork but I believe my colors will talk what I want to say.

One more Oil Painting

2005-10-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here is my new oil painting.(48'×34') I like this one much better than the last paintings. Reason? I don't know why, but I think after NY trip, I got something in my mind. And, right now I just want to paint ot drew something.....

My blog/ブログについて

2005-10-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

そろそろこのブログを、日本（もしくはアメリカ）の家族や友達に紹介しようと思っている。日本語も使えるし、何をやっているのかこれを見てもらえば分かるだろう。このブログは授業の一環でつくったものだが、どうせつくるなら自分の絵をのせたり、人生に一度の経験になろう院生活での自分の気持ちを書きとめておきたかった。特に人に見せると考えるより、自分の独り言に近いかもしれない。でも、誰でもみれてなんとなく私が何をやっているか分かってもらえれば、と思っている。コメントは、日本語でも英語でも大歓迎。ブログは誰でも見れるけれど、コメントはブログのアカウントを持たないと書き込めないので要注意。

I think I will intododuce my blog to my family and friend in Japan and the US. Related with one of my classes, I had to get my blog account. But I though It was a good opportunity to show everybody what I am doing here or just write down what I am thinking in my life now. The comment is always welcome in Japanese and English, however, if you don't have blog account, you can't leave your message.

New York!

2005-09-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

あまりにも毎日ハードで、うっかりブログに伝えたい事を書き込むのを忘れそうになる・・・。先週の土曜日(9/24)にNYへ初めて行った。その日は、反戦争のマーチが予定されていて、それに結構惹かれていた私にとってはちょっともどかしいNY旅行になっていた。それに多くの人は、「東京とNYは似ている」と言う。生まれも育ちも東京の私にはどう映るのか、ちょっと半信半疑であったかもしれない。確かに少し似ていたかもしれない。しかし、私にとってのNYはスケールがでかい。超でかい。活気に（特にギャラリー！！）満ち溢れている。日本の銀座の画廊とは比べものにならにほど、多種多様のアーティストが作品を作り発表している。

当初の予定では、友達とNYに行っても買い物もしようね～！なーんて言っていたが、そんな時間も思いつかないほど、多くのギャラリーに足を運んだ。作品の好き嫌いはあるにしても、アーティストとしての「パワー」を吸収したように思う。こんなに一日が早く思った事があるか・・・と思うくらい時間の経つのが早かった。

一日の日帰りバス旅行だったけれど、てんこ盛りの大サービス、という感じだろうか。朝5：30集合、夜12：30解散・・・といったハードスケジュールにもかかわらず、その日の夜はなかなか眠れなかった。体は疲れているのに頭がニューヨークの活気に満ち溢れて、自分を寝かせなかった。

27日火曜日、版画の講評会があったため私は作品作りに追われていた。なんせ久しぶりのシルクスクリーン。しかも英語での説明・・・。道具も自分で揃える物も多く、結局最初は絵の事よりも基本的な事でてんぱっていた。最初のスクリーンへの感光剤のつけ方がなかなかうまくいかず、つけては洗い乾かしまたつけて・・・の繰り返し。絵も時間をかけている割には思うようにいかず・・・。それでも、NYから帰ってからやる気満々になり、小さい絵ながらも色々試しててみた。最終的に思ったよりもシルクが好きになった。10月はまた院生の講評会があるし、やらなくてはいけない事が山とある。でもいつか自分もNYで展覧会ができるよう頑張ってみようと決心した。

Everyday is so busy and hard...sometime I just forgot to write on blog even though I really wanted to tell something. Last Sat. I went to NY and it was my first time to go there. Many people said that NY is similar to Tokyo and I sort of agree with that. However, I felt more than that. I got huge power from exhibitions and artists. That night I could'nt sllep at all. My body was so tired but my mind was full of the power from NY.

From last month, I was making my silkscreen but I had a very difficult time with that. However, after my trip, I tried many things on my artwork and it worked. And most important thing is I liked my artwork. I know this month will be so busy as sam as last month but I'll manage it and I hope someday I can exhibit own show in NY!

Wikipedia

2005-09-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the web-sight "Wikipedia" with English and Japanese last week. Because wikipedia is the encyclopedia, any topics are well-written. I tiped my city, Minato-ku Tokyo, into the blank on wikipedia, then, I found the history, population and what is so famous about my city. Actually, there were more information than I thought and I also could go to other pages and got related information. Of course, some topics didn't have a lot of information but it is because not so common. (but still the page has links.)

As my interest in general, I like watching movies, eating foreign countries food, going to museums and traveling but unfortunately that are not so special. I mean I do love to do that but I don't have nothing to tell or write about...Like people do to the wikipedia. However, if I pick the topic for wikipedia, I can write about "lithography" which is my main study. I know many people are not familiar with this word because whenever I talk about my major, lithography, first response I get is always "what is that?" Many people know about woodcut or etching, but so many people never heard of the word, I guess and it makes me little disappointed...

I think if I can add a little explanation about lithography and the process, some people might get interest and lithography might be more popular.... Or since the lithography's page included any kinds of printmaking(woodcut, etching, silksreen) I can write about bit more, put some links or correct some sentences. I really think if I can do it, it would be great!

リトグラフ／Lithograph for Wikipedia

2005-09-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

リトグラフは私のメインの研究である。女子美術大学在学中から、専攻をリトにし（といっても約2年くらいしか勉強していないが・・・）その後数年美術から離れ、去年から個人経営の版画教室へ通っていた。最近アメリカ、ヴァージニア州にあるGeorge Mason大学院で版画を専攻している。私が日本、アメリカで思った事は、「版画」はあまり世間一般には浸透していない、という事だ。特にリトグラフ。私の専攻であるからちょっと悲しい。だいたい、版画と聞くと「木版画」を思い浮かべる人が多い。おそらく、家でも手軽に出来るからかもしれないし、年賀状を木版で制作する人が多いからかもしれない。確かにリトグラフは難しい。制作過程はややこしいし、いろんな薬品も必要だし、家で手軽に・・・というわけにはいかない。ただ、一度覚えてしまえば、その魅力に気づくだろう。自分が描写したものがそのまま一番効果的に紙に刷れるのは、リトグラフと思う。強い線、きめ細かい線、筆の効果、インクの飛ばした効果・・・。私は、それぞれの効果を楽しみながら版を作っている。版画、特にリトグラフを少しでも広めたいので、リトのわかりやすい説明をしたいと思う。

まず、アルミ版に油性のペンや解け墨で絵を描く。※水分でアルミ版が反応してしまうので要注意。
絵が完全に乾いてからアラビヤゴムを薄く引く。※ゴムがむらになると、製版が失敗してしまう事がある。
その後、数時間版を休ませる。
プリントクリーナーで描写部分を完全に落とす。
スポンジで版全体を水でふく。（アラビヤゴムも落とす）
描写部分に、エーゲンラッカーを薄くひく。その後グランドをかける。
20～30秒後、水でグランドを落とす。※描写部分にグランドがのこり、そのほかの部分はきれいになる。
乾かしてから、
水で粉を落としてかＨ液をかけ、30秒待ってからまた水できれいにふく。
完全に乾いてから、またアラビアゴムをかける。
その後、一日おいたほうがすりがうまく出来る。

結局、文字でまとめてみたけれど、やっぱり複雑だと思った。でも、多色刷りも出来るし、版を自由に書けるようになると表現の幅は増えとりこになるはず・・・。

I think that Printmaking, especially lithograph, is not popular in general. It is sort of sad because my main study is lithograph. Maybe woodcut is more common in the printmaking because the process is much easier and many people in my country make New Year cards with woodcut. In fact, the process of lithograph is very complicated but if you master the process, I am very that you must be fascinated...! I just want to introduce the process and hope many people will be more interested in lithograph.

日本語！Japanese!

2005-09-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

ようやく日本語が使えるようになりました！信じられないほど嬉しい！！！約一ヶ月、日本語の無い生活はやっぱり不便だったと思う。こんなにナチュラルに文章が書けるってことが不思議・・・。やっぱり母国語っていいなぁ。私の学部は美術だけれど、WRITINGの宿題もあるので、どんなに英語で文を作る事が大変かしみじみ感じていたところ。英語の作文はとっても大変、そしていかに自分のボキャブラリーの無さに気づく。しかも、美術の事となると、自分で思う日本語でも微妙なニュアンスを書かなきゃいけないから、途方にくれる日々・・・。でも、日本語を打つ事で希望が見えたというか。。。（実際には英語と何の関係も無いけれど・・・。）とにかく日本語を書けることが素直に嬉しい！！これで、日本の家族・友達にも日本語でメールができる！！あぁ、よかった：）

Today I finally can use Japanese...! I feel sooooo great and happy. It was very hard for me not writing any Japanese in e-mail or anything.... I also think that how great my own language is! Actually, I was so frustrated that in my assignment I really don't know how to express what I think if I saw some artworks in writing English. Even though in Japanese, I am very sure it is also hard. Anyway, I am happy now! Finally, I can send e-mail in Japanese to my family and friends!

One Month

2005-09-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Today is my one-month anniversary for coming back to the US! It has been so fast, busy and difficult...I think that making my artwork is no problem because this time I came back to study here and I strongly believe my artwork(or myself), however the things, like getting art materials or to art stores, gave me a difficult moment. Since I don't have a car, my transportation is metro and bus. Here in the US, most people have a car and if they try to explain the direction, their idea is by a car, of course. My professor or classmates offer me their ride, but sometimes I need to get there spontaneously. Fortunately, my English has been getting better if I compare with myself five years ago. I do still have my English difficulty but I can call them, I can surf by internet, or I can ask people. I know it is a baby step but things will be going well.

Oil Painting

2005-09-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

I used to make a lot of oil pintings when I was in a high school and university but after that I haven't done for a looooong time. ( about seven years....) My first semester at GMU, I am taking an printmaking, oil painting and reserch methodologies. I thought I could study lithography as my main forcus but I had to take other classes.... I was not sure about oil painting because I felt I was done for the oil painting when I changed my course into printmaking at a university. However, when I painted on my canvas, I felt so great and I got my idea that I never think of before. I think sometimes it is better to start something you liked and you used to do, again. The begining might be difficult but I am very sure that once you do, you will remember how to do or just bring your memory back- like painting with your friends and emcourage each other.... This is what I got through my oil painting!