Sept. 24, 2014
Come see the moon and the sea in a whole new, elysian light.
Rob Schouten Gallery presents “Keiichi Nishimura, Mixed-Media Paintings on Silk” in this longtime artist’s first Whidbey Island show from Oct. 1 to 30.
Nishimura is known for his unique approach to wave imagery and his use of metal leaf within each of his original, one-of-a-kind paintings on silk.
Nishimura’s work is a modern interpretation of traditional images and techniques. He understands deeply both the discipline of his Eastern culture and the freedom of Western expression—a combination he strives to integrate into his work.
“When I came to this country 30 years ago, all I saw in California was an old style of Asian art,” Nishimura said. “I wanted to show people a new style of painting; I wanted them to see more of what was current art in Japan.”
Nishimura began taking what he saw as a traditional Japanese style of art to a new place, adding his own semi-abstract style on familiar themes.
The medium he uses is a water-based pigment derived from suihigofun (a mineral), which the artist grinds to a finer consistency and then mixes with a delicate balance of nikawa (melted pine sap). The nikawa is what gives the pigment its deep rich color and also enables it to adhere to the silk. Variances in color and tone are created by hand with wide brushes. He may incorporate a color resistant technique using flour or sand, sumi (charcoal), gold leafing, ink and other techniques all in a single work.
Now a resident of Whidbey Island, Nishimura was born in Kyoto, Japan, where he began his training as an artist in 1976 under the apprenticeship of his father, Jintaro Nishimura, a master artist for more than half a century. Nishimura has shown his work extensively in the San Francisco Bay area and in Hawaii.
The artist said he is excited to have the Whidbey community see his work and is curious to know what people here will make of it.
“I’m just so glad to have this opportunity to show my paintings on this beautiful island for the very first time,” he said.
The gallery will also feature Anne Belov’s original drawings from her children’s picture book “Pandamorphosis” for two weeks only, from Oct. 1 through Oct. 15, with an artist book-signing from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.11.
Please join us for light refreshments and a chance to meet both these artists from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 during Greenbank Farm’s “Second Sunday at the Farm” event, when the Farm’s galleries, shops, cafe and market welcome visitors to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of fine art, good food, natural beauty and lively conversation.
Pictured at top is “Peaceful Morning,” mixed-media on silk by Keiichi Nishimura. (photo courtesy of the artist)
Rob Schouten Gallery, a premier showcase for Whidbey Island and Northwest artists, is located at 765 Wonn Road, #C-103 at the historic Greenbank Farm. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends; closed Tuesday or by appointment. For further information, call 360-222-3070 or email info@robschoutengallery.com.
