We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chieko Shimizu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chieko, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on, both personally and professionally, was a commissioned piece titled ‘Elegance in Orange.’ It was a turning point in my artistic journey.

This project was unique because it wasn’t just about creating something aesthetically pleasing. The client sent me a message that really resonated with me. They said, ‘Your life was a beautiful glass vase and yes, it was picked up and smashed on the floor. Now it’s up to you to pick up the pieces one by one and create a singular mosaic.’

This powerful message challenged me to think deeper about the meaning of creating art. It wasn’t just about the final product, but about the process of transformation and healing. As I carefully arranged the glass pieces, it felt like I was helping them visually reconstruct their life story. The finished artwork became more than just an object; it was a visual representation of their experiences, struggles, and resilience.

This project truly reminded me of the power of art to connect with people on an emotional level. It was a stark reminder that as a freelance artist, it’s easy to get caught up in the business side of things. ‘Elegance in Orange’ brought me back to the core purpose of my artistic journey: to create meaningful work that evokes emotions and tells stories. This project solidified my passion for using glass mosaics as a medium for self-expression and emotional connection.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My artistic journey began with a personal fascination – capturing the fleeting beauty of nature. Growing up in Japan, I was captivated by the ever-changing seasons and the delicate details of the natural world. This connection, along with a personal experience of healing through nature, inspired me to create art that fostered mindfulness and meditation.

Glass mosaic art is an 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, I am capable of depicting the transience and evanescent nature of light, resulting in artworks that I believe are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply calming.

The broken pieces of glass resonate deeply with the challenges we all face. Yet, within each of us lies the remarkable ability to rise above the brokenness. The mosaic technique embodies this very essence – once shattered broken pieces turns into something not just whole again, but stronger and more beautiful than before. They symbolize the inherent resilience within us all, gently pushing us forward on the path of personal growth and empowerment. With this being the baseline of my practice statement, my artwork explores the different aspect of life inspired by nature.

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.

My artwork is particularly appreciated in healthcare facilities, offices, residential buildings, and private homes. This is likely due to the unique medium I use, which is not often found in the market. Glass mosaics offer a soothing aesthetic that many clients find ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere. The intricate technique I employ brings out a sparkling quality in the glass that is unmatched by other art forms. These one-of-a-kind pieces can be incorporated into the most cherished spaces in your home.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe two key factors have helped me build a reputation within the art market.

Firstly, I focus on creating unique pieces using the art of glass mosaics. This technique is relatively rare in the installation world, and clients are immediately drawn to its novelty. It sets my work apart in a market saturated with more traditional art forms.

Secondly, I actively create and showcase new pieces, regardless of immediate commissions. I regularly post fresh ideas and installation artwork on my website and social media platforms. This demonstrates my dedication to innovation and keeps my audience engaged. Sometimes, these self-initiated pieces spark interest and even lead to direct commissions later on.
By combining these approaches, I’ve carved out a niche for myself within the market. People come to me for unique, innovative glass mosaic artwork that elevates their spaces.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A book that significantly impacted my entrepreneurial journey as a glass mosaic artist is ‘Art as Therapy’ by Alain de Botton. What resonated deeply with me was the book’s exploration of the artist’s mindset through a third-person, philosophical lens. Early on, I struggled to articulate the powerful urge to create that drove me. The book offered a framework for understanding this intrinsic motivation in a very insightful, academic way. It essentially validated what I was feeling emotionally. This intellectual validation was very empowering and helped me solidify my commitment to pursuing my artistic path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.csfglassworks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csfglassworks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csfglassworks
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/gmMQQhE5nkc?si=2GWJKH-EezeTbWZP