works

“Yuki” is the studio name made of: YUko chikazawa and maKI shimizu.
We met in the print-lab of the ‘Tsukuba’ University and began collaboration in 2001.

All the portraits were designed by Maki, who was inspired by 1000 snap-shots left on Yuko’s desk in their studio and took part as an art director in making the visual concept of this series.
After Maki‘s design, Yuko carve them in wood-blocks and print with traditional Japanese technique.

We tried to apply traditional technique but still keep our modern expression, which suggests „pictures of floating world“. This involved joint work, trust in each other, with each of the artist applying their skills and talent to the maximum, aiming at high quality of the final pictures, with the standard of classic master-pieces in our minds.
Overall, this collection (mor than 100 pieces) is mostly of our friends. In fortunately we have fun and find presure, so that continue our effort since 10 years and Yuki has got more than 50 exbitions in the last years. Each time we’ve got hot feedbacks. Thank you all.
We are preparing now a book with all of our 100 woodcut portraits with original drawing and storys of us.


Woodblock Carving + Printing:
Yuko Chikazawa

Design + Concept:
Maki Shimizu


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Yuko Chikazawa
Hiroshi Yoshida (吉田 博1876-1950) is great - respect.
http://www.blockingwood.com/

***
Born in Kochi, Japan, in 1981.
When she was in junior high school, Yuko came to be impressed with ukiyoe print and the artisan way of life. Ukiyoe (jap. 浮世絵, “Pictures of the Floating World”) is a term for a genre of japanese paiting and print graphics. She came to woodcut printing via self-education with a university admission. Since 2006 she has been working as a designer and woodcut artist in japan.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Maki Shimizu
I‘d like become an artist, who can express my own mind and spirit. (1995)
http://www.makishimizu.de/

***
Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1981.
Inspired by the words of Picasso that „Art is a lie which allows us to recognize the truth“, Maki set out on her journey into art, deciding that she, too, would become an artist. She studied fine arts in Japan, majoring in printing techniques, before going on to complete a graphic design degree in Bielefeld, Germany. Since 2006 she has been working as an artist and illustrator in Berlin.