Bamboo - Frolicking in a Bamboo Forest

Artist: Tomoko Suzuki
Materials: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 8x8 in

Artist Statement: The fabric I received contained patterns that were inspired by nature that are often used in traditional Japanese art. In one of my collage pieces, I created bamboo forest with figures frolicking within. The other piece, I took various symbols such as plum flowers, bamboo, pine trees, flowing rivers and mountains and created a landscape with multiple figures swimming through it. I enjoyed imagining landscapes that contains symbols that reminds of my life growing up in Japan. In my usual art practice, I predominantly create abstract figurative art. The plump figures I call chubby are an important symbol in my art. It was fun to imagine landscapes with the Japanese symbols of nature and merge them with my figurative symbols that are meant to represent the struggles and joys of human life.

Artist Bio: Tomoko Suzuki is a multi-disciplinary artist who currently resides in Kenmore Washington. Tomoko was born and raised in Ibaraki Japan. She earned BFA in printmaking from Bradley University in Peoria Illinois and MFA in printmaking from California State University Long Beach. Tomoko has taught art and printmaking at various levels in community colleges to K-12 schools and many in between over the years. Her installation art was featured in Shunpike Storefronts in 2022. Tomoko’s original drawings and sculptures were among the Spotlight exhibition at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in 2023.
Even though her background is more academic and in the fine arts field, Tomoko has proven her abilities to create affordable artworks for a wider audience by using her skills as printmaking and a mold maker. Her ceramic sculptures and prints are sold at Kobo Gallery and Shop as well as Bainbridge Island Museum of Art gift store. Tomoko continues to explore ways to create meaningful artworks while cultivating more ways of introducing her artworks to wide variety of audiences.
As a dedicated artist and a mother, Tomoko’s journey is not just about creating art but also about embodying determination and perseverance. Her work is a testament to the power of art in transforming lives and environments for the better.

Fabric Motif: Bamboo, a symbol of good luck also represents resiliency with its ability to spring back after experiencing adversity.

This piece was part of the Yukata Inspired 2024, a collaborative exhibition between Okan Arts & Danaca Design featuring metalwork and collage. Learn more and view the entire collection HERE.