Chigirie
Japanese Torn Paper Collage Art
Original Hand Torn Japanese Art
By Paper Artist, Joan M. Matsui

Chigirie, Japanese Torn Paper Collage art is the Japanese art of tearing paper to create a collage, it's also known as painting with paper.

Life is all about loving what we do, isn't it? In 1993 when I was introduced to Japanese paper art, I thought, hmmm, is there a way I could turn my passion for Japanese paper and art into a full time job? Is enjoying what I do enough reason to leave my job and work from home? Well, as I'm sure many artists will agree, there are many ups and downs. But what business or career field is without ups and downs? 

One day a few weeks ago, along came a reminder as to why I chose to be an artist. A friend and long time customer called to ask if I would I like to do a commissioned piece as a birthday present for her son, Bobby. I said, "Norma, you bet I would! The great horned owl is in the works.

When I feel that energy and excitement, I know that I'm moving in the right direction. Yesterday I received yet another commission! A couple who saw The Clay Flower Pot at Art Gallery 408 wanted a custom piece that would fit in a particular location and asked if I could create a Chigirie using similar colors.

This brings to my next point. Look around you; If there's a favorite flower garden or a location in your yard that you would like to capture on paper, I will gladly accept commissions. Simply Email or mail the photo of your idea to me in jpeg format. I'm accustomed to working from photographs. Just keep in mind the issue of copyright. If it's not your photograph or your garden, please don't ask me to reproduce it.

So, while the last few months have been a time of reflection for me, I've also been consistently busy preparing for art shows and exhibits. My husband and I are doing a show together at the Wyoming County Courthouse in Tunkhannock. Collaboration will open on Friday, April 4, 4-6 p.m. and run through May 29.

The next few months promise to be very challenging in terms of finding the time to work.

I've updated my gallery pages to reflect the pieces that are still available. Little by little, I'll remove the sold pieces from the galleries and replace the images with new art. Limited edition giclee fine art prints are also available for many pieces. 

If you're wondering how I do the collage or why the finished piece closely resembles a watercolor, you'll be interested to know that this technique consists of tearing and pasting down pre-dyed handmade paper to create a composition which lends a three-dimensional appeal, thereby bringing life to the art. I don't use a drop of paint in the process. Instead, I layer sometimes hundreds of hand torn small pieces of paper. It's tedious work but it's one area of my life where I have patience. The secret is in the paper I use to develop the design,   beautiful handmade Japanese paper that offers endless opportunities for expression of fine details and expansive landscapes. The finished Chigirie is a collage comparable to a painting.

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Please visit Page Nine if you're in need of an architect or you'd like to learn more about his current projects. Contact Kunihiko Matsui Architects to discuss that building or renovation project you've been dreaming of. He also offers some wonderful ideas for Japanese style homes and out buildings. Spring is approaching and it's time to extract those ideas from your head and get busy with your projects.

Web site last updated on 03/08/2008 09:34 PM

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Important Notice: This website or any of its contents may not be copied for any purpose without the express permission of the author and artist. © 2002 Joan M. Matsui