THE ARTIST

Biography

Lynn Kishiyama was born in the Philippines, grew up in Livermore California and now lives in Paso Robles with her husband Art and her dogs Tango and Claire de Lune. Before becoming a full-time artist while in Japan in 1999, she experienced a variety of jobs, from flight attendant, ski instructor and ranch hand to set and costume designer, sales and marketing trainer and interior wall upholsterer! Lynn holds a master's degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and graduated from the American academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and has studied traditional Japanese paper-making at Saitama Dento Kogei Kaikan in Ogawamachi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

It all began after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York as an actress. Lynn found herself more intrigued by the sensory backstage environment; and it was there that she developed her love of color and texture while designing costumes and sets for off-off Broadway productions. After spending time on business pursuits and earning a master's in Spiritual Psychology, Lynn returned to her artistic roots when she moved to Japan in 1999 and discovered the beautiful craft of traditional Japanese paper-making.

Lynn immersed herself in Japanese culture by attending Kabuki Theater, Sumo tournaments, sorting through piles and piles of used kimonos at local shrine sales, and relishing Japan's ever-changing seasons. This immersion led to her fascination with the culture, history and application of paper in traditional and contemporary Japanese life. Lynn pursued this interest by studying the traditional craft of paper making in Ogawamachi. With this inspiration, she passionately poured herself into creating her first kimono collages, using and manipulating layers of washi paper. Lynn participated in her first group art show at the Ueno metropolitan Art Museum in Tokyo, as well as exhibiting at local bazaars and private studio shows in Japan.

Since returning to the United States in 2002, Lynn has continued to use Japanese washi paper and her memories of life in Japan as her creative medium and artistic vision. She developed and combined her washi paper experiences with acrylics, clay, and mixed media, creating several series of artwork, including "Conversations with Paper", "Kimono Inspirations", and "Wabi Sabi Series". Lynn also designs hand-made greeting cards and "kakishibu baskets" using a traditional Japanese method of tanning paper applied over a basket armature.

Artist Statement

Media & Technique

Experimenting with the unique properties of Japanese washi paper I became fascinated with its versatility, capability, and strength. How much can I stretch it, bend and roll it, soak it, and mix it with other media? What designs and compositions lend themselves to using washi like paint? How large can apiece be and still retain its fragile look and feeling? These are some of the questions I ask as I begin a new series of work.I tear or cut pieces of washi paper, combining colors and adding textures to accomplish a feeling. I glue these pieces in layers –sometimes six or seven layers thick –using special organic glue.After allowing them to dry, I then combine them with other pieces to complete a kimono, fan or abstract collage.

Style

The versatility and flexibility of using washi paper offers me infinite possibilities for the arrangement of elements, unusual juxtapositions, and transformation of images and meanings. I have a collector’s fascination with everything textural and the idea of collage has been with me for as long as I can remember. It is a treasure hunt for just the right piece to fit the collage puzzle. Adding Japanese washi papers as a collage medium to traditional papers, maps, clay, and other objects lends itself to spontaneity and creativity. It’s a constant metamorphosis. In short, I strive for a conversation with the medium.

Vision