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Artist Shigeyo Shigeyo

Shigeyo
WORKS INTERVIEW EXHIBITIONS

INTERVIEWInterview

Shigeyo

Please briefly introduce yourself.

Originally from Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, I am currently based in Fukuoka Prefecture and active as an alcohol ink artist. Before marriage, she worked in the fashion industry, then moved to the United States. After returning to Japan, I got married and raised my children, and now I work as an English teacher for children.

In 2022, after finishing my parenting and having more free time, I discovered alcohol ink art and began my creative activities. Captivated by the fluidity and transparency of ink, we aim to embody the invisible senses of light, wind, scent, and sound on paper. In particular, the transparency, depth, and fantastical worldview created by layering white on a black background are major features of my expression.

「風・Breeze」 作：Shigeyo

Please tell us about the turning point in your activities.

In April 2022, when I was about to seriously start alcohol ink art, I was invited to attend the 21st Century Art Borderless Exhibition held at the National Art Center, Tokyo. At that time, I had never created a work I was satisfied with, but my desire to take on the challenge outweighed my intention to participate. The following eight months were a continuous struggle with difficult-to-control ink. Looking back now, it was a reckless challenge, but that connection allowed me to interact with a diverse range of artists, which became the foundation of my current activities.

Also, in 2023, winning first place twice in overseas competitions I entered as a test of my abilities gave me great confidence and motivation to continue creating my works. Furthermore, in July this year, we exhibited for the first time overseas at the Japan-France Contemporary Art Exhibition held in Versailles, France. By facing my own work within a magnificent architectural style, I was able to discover new faces different from those in Japan, which strengthened my desire to actively challenge myself overseas in the future.

Please tell us about your encounter with alcohol ink art.

Over ten years ago, I had experience painting pastel art at the invitation of a friend, but since I hadn't received formal art education and was involved in work different from child-rearing or art, I felt at some point that I might have limitations in my expression. At that time, I encountered alcohol ink art and saw its free and beautiful abstract expression, which instinctively moved me to think that maybe I could express it myself. My strong attraction to the gradients and strong transparency of vivid colors became the catalyst for my first steps as an artist.

"Peacock" Written by: Shigeyo

What kind of feelings do you put into your work?

The concept is to express a fantastical world on paper, drawing on the refined beauty of classical ballet and performing arts familiar with as a child, as an original experience. We aim not only to pursue visual beauty but also to create works that deeply appeal to the five senses and memories, such as the dazzling breeze and light caressing the skin, faint sounds and scents. I hope that the world created by the layering of colors and transparency will gently accompany the hearts of those who see it, bringing a peaceful and peaceful atmosphere.

Also, the very moment when ink freely spreads across the paper is an experience that stimulates all five senses, and I feel that the creative process, where one faces this chance and layers one's own intentions, is also part of the work.

Please tell us which work you think is most authentic to you.

Among alcohol ink art, where vivid colors are considered mainstream, I feel that works that use a unique technique to layer white on a black background feel the most authentic. In the early days, I was captivated by the vivid colors unique to ink and focused mainly on multicolor works. However, one day, when I tried painting in a black-and-white world, a completely different depth and fantastical world unfolded before The transparency created by the meticulous layering of white resonates with both traditional Japanese styles and modern, stylish spaces. It is this tranquil worldview, completely different from the vivid multicolor use, and this unique style of expression, that I feel is the identity of an artist.

"Breath of Towa - Blooming in the Corridor of Light" Author: Shigeyo

Please tell us about your future outlook.

First, I want to deepen my current black-× and white expression and expand the possibilities of my work. Additionally, in the expression of multicolor techniques, we plan to explore new possibilities in alcohol ink art that goes beyond traditional motifs. Furthermore, in the future, I am interested in blending different art materials such as watercolor and acrylic painting. I want to broaden my range of expression and deepen a worldview that only I can create.

In an era where digital and AI technologies can instantly create perfect beauty, I want to keep creating works that touch the heart with the unique warmth and texture of analog weaving from human hands and materials. Just as my works have shown new expressions in spaces and lights different from those in Japan through overseas exhibitions, I want to continue exploring how my work resonates across various places and cultures.

Shigeyo brings the invisible senses onto paper with flowing ink and meticulous brushwork. The colorful life walked through various experiences and encounters crystallizes into a fantastical world of black and white, swirling together. Even in an era where digital technology instantly creates perfect beauty, the dedication to the temperature woven by human hands and materials quietly touches the memories and senses of those who see it. As Shigeyo's world continues to deepen as he expands his opportunities for expression both domestically and internationally, high expectations are high for the future.