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Teiko Shimazaki - Sumi Artist
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(Photo
taken in 2007 Aki Matsuri)
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(Photo courtesy of Teiko Shimazaki)
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Teiko
Shimazaki, an accomplished artist is noted for works in oil painting,
watercolors, serigraph, collage and various mixed media woodblock
monotypes. Her sumi-e and calligraphic works are well recognized.
Her mixed media woodblock monotypes advance the time honored traditional
art of Japanese woodcut prints. She has also produced sculptures that
are in private collections. Her works are innovative, prolific and
diverse, and have contributed much to the cultural diversity and advancement
of fine arts in America.
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Shimazaki-san
grew up in Tokyo, the daughter of a distinguished calligrapher. By
age 16 she had opened her own art studio, working mainly as an illustrator.
She worked in Japan in the aircraft and shipbuilding industries as
a prominent technical illustrator. Despite parental opposition and
knowing little English, she came to Seattle in 1963 on a Fulbright
grant to study at the Cornish School of Allied Arts. She graduated
with highest honors and then found a host family to sponsor her further
study in technical and industrial illustration at UW.
Through the years Shimazaki-sensei has created many award-winning
works of art now in private collections and museums in the United
States and Japan. She contributes to art development in this area
by serving as a juror in regional competitions. She is a member of
such regional art bodies as Professional Women Painters of Washington
and Puget Sound Sumi Artists and such national organizations as the
National Collage Society and the National League of American PEN Women.
Shimazaki was included in the International Directory of Distinguished
Leaders (6th Ed.). She authored a book, "Letters," published
in Japan by Tokyo Tosho Shuppan Kai. This spring she was invited to
Japan to receive a medal and Certificate of Excellence in International
Autobiographical Publications as an Honored National Award recipient.
This coveted award is a result of her entry in a National and International
literary competition for Japanese individuals living outside of Japan,
and submitted their published autobiographies to A Japanese Literary
Society called Nihon Jibunshi Gakai.
Sumi-e: Black Ink Painting. Black ink on white paper
is simple, elegant and serene. This art-form was introduced to Japan
over thirteen hundred years ago by Japanese scholars returning from
China. Beautifully shaped writing strokes called calligraphy became
the basis for the SUMI strokes introduced into Japan. Simplicity is
the most outstanding characteristic of Sumi-e. An economy of brush
strokes is used to communicate the essence of the subject.
Visit Shimazaki-sensei's exhibit and try your hand at the fine art
of sumi-e.
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