Shiori is a Japanese calligrapher. The concept of SHODO is the basis of her work. No matter what kind of FUDE or paper she uses, her technique is unique to SHODO artists. Even if it's not with a brush. In addition to the written word, Shiori works on abstract expressions of her inner life.
Tell us your story, why did you become an artist?
My mentor was a person who made avant-garde works and put them out into the world. And when I went to see his group exhibition, I saw many very beautiful abstract works using SUMI. Among them, I came across one that particularly struck me, and at that moment, my heart was racing and I felt as if I had discovered another world.
When you think of SHODO, you may imagine writing characters. However, there is another way of abstract expression using SUMI ink, and I was deeply impressed by this way of expression. This led to a strong desire to create artwork, and I began creating artwork in an attempt to become an artist.
When you create a new work, how do you go about it? What comes first?
On a daily basis, when inspiration strikes me, I try to make notes or rough sketches and save them. But the most important thing is to keep my mind in a good state. There are two kinds of things I need to work on in my artwork: the first is to train myself to improve the quality of my lines and to be able to move my FUDE freely through the process of writing the characters as they are modeled, which is called Rinsho.
The second is to prepare my mind. In order to create a work of art, I have to show what I have trained at Rinsho in a moment. And how well I can concentrate when writing will greatly affect the finished artworks. So, I always try to keep in mind that I have to be still and calm.
Well, SHODO itself is like meditation when I am writing, but sometimes I take a deep breath or meditate lightly, especially when I start writing. By doing so, I can deeply concentrate on the time I spend facing the work, and I can also experience a kind of fulfillment. As a result, unexpectedly good works of art are sometimes created.
What can you tell us about your studio, what makes it special to you and how does it influence the way you work?
I make artwork at home. When I decided on this room, I had already decided on a room for creating artwork. And I was able to imagine the surrounding environment: far from the road, close to nature, and with sunlight pouring in. This blessed environment allows me to concentrate on my work.
Especially in spring, when baby birds are born and I can wake up in the morning to their chirping. This feeling of nature is deeply related to SHODO, and I have come to feel that I am part of nature as well.
Is there a work of art in your life that has especially impressed you?
It is difficult to offer a specific work of art, but I have been inspired by the process of creating works by Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, Lee Ufan, and others. I myself value the process and meaning of creation, so I am actively engaged in learning about such ideas from these artists. However, I still prefer to go and see the works of abstract expressionist artists.
And of course, I am sure that I have been influenced a lot by my mentor, Michiko Sotobayashi.
Reach to the stars: where will you be in 5 years?
I would like to work in the contemporary art genre as an abstract expressionist with a SHODO background. I would also like to have my works displayed in galleries that I admire, so I would like to become an artist worthy of that!
I would also like to have a large studio with space to display my works. I would like to live a life where I can go to various places in the world, breathe in the beautiful scenery and air of the place, and create artwork.
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