"Layers of colors are the fundamental essence of natural beauty that transcends the limitation of verbal expression.
Preserving those serendipitous moments under glass is my way of appreciating life in the art form of glass mosaic."
- Chieko Shimizu
BIOGRAPHY
Constantly exploring the interplay of light and color, Chieko Shimizu, a glass mosaic artist, endeavors to create pieces that capture the intricate beauty and complexity of the natural world. Growing up in Japan, Shimizu has acquired a profound admiration for the transitional seasonal colors, along with the culture where such elements are carefully incorporated into daily life with a sense of gratitude.
Glass mosaic art is an exceptional form of artistic expression that melds elements of both abstract painting and traditional mosaic art. By meticulously layering diverse colors then preserving them underneath shattered glass, Shimizu is capable of depicting the transience and evanescent nature of light, resulting in artworks that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply calming. Whether Shimizu is creating a large installation or a more intimate piece, she consistently strives to stretch the limits of what is possible with this unique and challenging medium.
Her artistic expression celebrates the quietest moments in life, imbuing in viewers an appreciation for the intricate nuances and subtle complexities that can be discovered in even the simplest of surroundings.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My artistic practice investigates the meditative experience that nature offers. It is during these moments that I find the opportunity to authentically connect with myself and undergo a transformative reset.
Through my chosen medium of Glass Mosaic, I endeavor to encapsulate the essence of these rejuvenating moments. This intricate technique involves the careful layering of colors, the strategic placement of shattered glass, and the final touch of grout, meticulously weaving together a tapestry that mirrors the surrounding colors, movements, and lights of the natural world.
The act of practicing glass mosaic itself provides the narrative of self-care, self-love, and the profound journey of self acceptance. As broken pieces of glass are gathered and reassembled, they symbolize the inherent resilience within us all, gently pushing us forward on the path of personal growth and empowerment.
It is a quest to recreate and share the deeply personal experience of self-discovery and renewal that I have found in the past. Each piece invites viewers to immerse themselves in the visual narrative, seeking to evoke a sense of introspection, serenity, and the transformative power of reconnecting with one's true self.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
"Voyagers" (November 9 - December 23) COLLECTION
- Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton, CA
MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
Ebb & Flow 2025 (July 11 - January 4 '26)
New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), Los Gatos, CA
deYoung Open 2023 (September 30 - January 7 '23-'24) "VENI"
- deYoung Museum, San Francisco, CA
Salon at the Triton '23 (July 9 - August 20) "AMAVI"
- Triton Museum of Art, Sant Clara, CA
- Winner of Curator's Choice
PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. VIP Room at IG Arena, Nagoya, JAPAN
Installed Work - Private Commission, 2025
UC Davis Health, Folsom, CA
Installed Work - "Lux", "Claritas", "Vividus", "Spiritus" 2025
Marubeni-Itochu Steel Inc, Tokyo, JAPAN
Installed Work - "Primal Energy" 2025
Bellflower Country Club, Mizunami-city, Gifu-prefecture, JAPAN
Installed Work - "Transience of Life" 2025
Cafe Dining Raduno, Tokai-city, Aichi-prefecture, JAPAN
Kaiser Permanente, Fremont, CA
Installed Work - "Spectrum" 2024
Verde Apartments at Mission Rock, San Francisco, CA
Installed Work - "Nocturnal no.01" 2024
Labor & Delivery Unit, Clermont, FL
Installed Work - "Shizuku" 2024
Technology Company, Mountainview, CA
Installed Work - "Kiyomizu" & "Shionari" 2023
Scripps/Ximed Medical Center, La Jolla, CA
Installed Work - "Ocean of Love" 2023
Kaiser Permanente, San Jose, CA
Kaiser Permanente, Richmond, CA
Installed work - "Pixels" 2023
TOS-Kyowa, Okazaki-city, Aichi-prefecture, JAPAN
Installed Work - “SOAK rebirth” 2022
Maeda Shell Service, Okazaki-city, Aichi-prefecture, JAPAN
Installed Work - “Arrival” 2022
Cafe JUJU, Okazaki-city, Aichi-prefecture, JAPAN
Installed Work - “Night of the Fallen Stars” 2022
Kaiser Permanente, Milpitas, CA
Installed work - "Psithurism" 2022
Sutter Health Institute of Health and Healing, Roseville, CA
Installed work - ' Woolgathering " 2022
Kaiser Permanente Behavioral Health Clinic, Manteca, CA
Installed work - " ELEMENTS" 2021
ART SHOWS
Filoli Art Walk '24 (July 27-28) COLLECTION
- Redwood City, CA
Filoli Art Walk '23 (July 29-30) COLLECTION
- Redwood City, CA
Artist Open Studios at The Alameda Artworks '23 (May 13-14) COLLECTION
- San Jose, CA
Filoli Art Walk '22 (July 30-31) COLLECTION
- Redwood City, CA
Artist Open Studios at The Alameda Artworks '22 (April 9-10) COLLECTION
- San Jose, CA
Filoli Art Walk '21 (July 24-25) COLLECTION
- Redwood City, CA
Renegade Craft Virtual Fair '20 (May 1-2)
- Renegade Craft Portal Site - Live Streaming -
Earth Garden '19 (Oct 26-27) COLLECTION
- Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan
Silicon Valley Open Studios '19 (May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19)
- Belmont, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, CA
Olive Hyde Art Gallery '18 (Nov. 30 - Dec.2)
- Fremont, CA
PRESS
