GALLERY AMI & KANOKO

Artist Statement

JUN SEKI

Dry point technique involves engraving lines directly onto a copper plate. Ink is packed into the lines, then the plate is wiped, and then moist paper is printed using an etching press. The printed work appears to be a line drawing.

As I work, I experience that my concentration shifts from pure observation of my subject to incising lines onto a copper plate where I meet great physical resistance from the metal. I try to find something remarkable while keeping and seeking a balance between my observation and the act of incising/drawing, always having in my mind flowing black lines against white paper.

REISHI KUSAKA

Since about 1994 I have been working on how to express "mu," (a Buddhist term for nothingness). I am aware that this subject is abstract and ambiguous for me and the viewer alike.

The creative act which concerns allowing nothingness to become visible is akin to a condition of entering a labyrinth from which there is no exit, yet nevertheless still looking for that exit.

I often think that one way of producing Art could be not thinking of any answer, yet still be creating art objects.

KUMI KORF

I draw my inspiration from being in, observing, and ultimately being moved by nature itself.

15 years of intimacy with intaglio printmaking is a source of my excitement when i create pieces on my etching press. The process involves many tools and materials, copper plates, acid bath, aquatint, ink, paper, and so on.

The preparation work on the copper plate is directly related to the final piece, but because many things come in between the original inspiration/intention and what I see on the press bed, they could be a world apart. The challenge is always there. On the other hand, I can be lucky.

I adore this uncertainty of pulling proof after proof. Not till I come to the final state am I satisfied.

AMI/KANOKO GALLERY

It has been ten years since we started our gallery AMI/KANOKO in the city of Osaka. It was a port city that historically served the nearby ancient Japanese capitals, Nara and Kyoto. In recent time it has become the second largest city after Tokyo.

Our gallery holds exhibitions mainly of contemporary artists' works in many media, painting, fine prints, artists' books, and sculpture.

Art serves to make connections between people, to understand other cultures and their people, and to expand and go beyond the confines of time and space for knowledge of the world. My commitment to holding exhibitions is to be a part of what Art can promise.

Often we introduce art from different cultures, Korea, France, USA, and at the same time take Japanese artists' work overseas. At this time I am very pleased and honored to be able to show three printmaking artists' work at VanDeb Editions in New York.