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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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)

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/