Kazumi Seki ~ Japan

Artist Statement: "Creation is the way to regain control of myself and live true to myself. As a Japanese female, I have been raised to obey social expectations as a member of the society rather than as an individual. My attitude of giving priority to others’ needs, following others and keeping my feelings to myself left me with a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem.

."Artists’ books allow for words, image, color scheme, tactile qualities, and structure to mutually complete each other. Choosing them to accompany my feelings and making a book with care signified for me how to treat myself with respect. … Through my creation, I’d like to show people the importance to treat oneself with respect and the pleasure of living true to oneself. I believe the person who can respect oneself can respect others as they are. Books are books but also can be models that can suggest the possibilities of life."

Two Homes
By Kazumi Seki
Chicago, Illinois: Kazumi Seki, 2018. Edition of 12.

6 x 6"; 3 page folds on each side. House-shaped book with accordion structure extending both sides when front cover opened. Colophon printed on base of interior. Letterpress printed on Mohawk Superfine. Monoprints using oil-based ink at the Center for Book, Paper, and Print at Columbia College Chicago. English set in 10, 12, and 14pt Avenir Book. Japanese set in 10 and 12pt Hiragino Sans with a MacBook Pro using InDesign CC to create the polymer plates. Gatefold opening with removable paper spine on each side. Slip and slot closure. Text in English and Japanese. Signed and numbered by the artist.

Artist Statement: "Two Homes is an artist's book created as a component and poetic distillation of her thesis project [Arugamama]. Based on the concept of home as a safe haven as well as secure base, Seki represents her memory and feelings for her two homes with two sections: 'My Home in Japan' and 'My Home in Chicago.' Written in both English and Japanese. This book was made possible by generous foundation from The Albert P. Weisman Award."

Artist’s Books Unshelved/ One Body, Two Homes: “In this episode of … we look at artist books that explore the artists’ relationships to their two homes as touchpoints for stories of reflection, adaptation and growth.”
$750

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Breathing
By Kazumi Seki
Chicago, Illinois: Kazumi Seki, 2018. Small format edition of 5.

7.9 x 5.7"; 12 leaves. Printed with inkjet printer PIXMA PRO-100 on Hyper OA sumizome paper. Monotype printed with oil-based ink. Title relief printing. Japanese stab binding. Materials: rice paper, hemp thread, inkjet prints, monotype print, and relief print Signed and numbered by the artist.

Breathing is an artist book created as a result of Seki's thesis installation Arugamama. The installation was a participatory experience by attendees. Reactions of those people who participated were captured in photos taken by Anahid Ghorbani.

Artist installation statement: "'Arugamama' is 'socially engaged' book art, a life-sized book, a participatory installation. When you enter this installation, you will first find garments that you can wear. After taking off your shoes, you will enter a Japanese tatami space surrounded by a kaya (traditional Japanese mosquito netting). You are entering a 'book,' which may help you realize your arugamama, the naturalness of feelings within you. You can 'read' the entire environment in and around the installation as well as yourself, engaging your bodily sensations and experiencing connections with other participants through your five senses, going beyond merely verbal communication. There were two types of events: Bedtime Breathing / Reading and Cello Recital / Reading, and each provided a different experience in the space."
(SOLD/Out of Print)

Breathing
By Kazumi Seki
Chicago, Illinois: Kazumi Seki, 2018. Special Edition of 3.

16 x 11.25"; 12 leaves. Printed with inkjet printer PIXMA PRO-100 onto Hyper OA sumizome paper. Monotype printed with oil-based ink. Set in 14 and 18pt Times type. Covers of mulberry paper sized with konnyaku paste. Title relief printing. Japanese stab binding with wooden dowel at spine. Materials: rice paper, wooden dowel, hemp thread, ribbon, board, earring parts, inkjet prints, monotype print, and relief print, konnyaku paste. Laid in portfolio with paper covered boards and ribbon ties closure. Matching title illustration on front board. Hooks at spine to hang book for display. Signed and numbered by the artist.

Breathing is an artist book created as a result of Seki's thesis installation Arugamama. The installation was a participatory experience by attendees. Reactions of those people who participated were captured in photos taken by Anahid Ghorbani.

Artist installation statement: "'Arugamama' is 'socially engaged' book art, a life-sized book, a participatory installation. When you enter this installation, you will first find garments that you can wear. After taking off your shoes, you will enter a Japanese tatami space surrounded by a kaya (traditional Japanese mosquito netting). You are entering a 'book,' which may help you realize your arugamama, the naturalness of feelings within you. You can 'read' the entire environment in and around the installation as well as yourself, engaging your bodily sensations and experiencing connections with other participants through your five senses, going beyond merely verbal communication. There were two types of events: Bedtime Breathing / Reading and Cello Recital / Reading, and each provided a different experience in the space."
Special Edition (SOLD/Out of Print)