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SHIZUKA TOYAMA | Unraveling
ARTIST | Shizuka Toyama
BASED IN | Japan
TITLE | Unraveling
SIZE | 355 × 460 mm
MEDIUM | Hemp paper for Sumi-e, Washi paper for backing, pencil, coloured pencil, sumi
PRICE | Not for sale
Page 1 of The History of My Heart explores the social façade that people carry—how the expectations of “how one should be” shape and constrain the self. Through layered textures and subtle mark-making, the work reflects the quiet tension between inner truth and outward presentation.
ARTIST | Shizuka Toyama
BASED IN | Japan
TITLE | Unraveling
SIZE | 355 × 460 mm
MEDIUM | Hemp paper for Sumi-e, Washi paper for backing, pencil, coloured pencil, sumi
PRICE | Not for sale
Page 1 of The History of My Heart explores the social façade that people carry—how the expectations of “how one should be” shape and constrain the self. Through layered textures and subtle mark-making, the work reflects the quiet tension between inner truth and outward presentation.
About the Artist
An artist based in Japan
Shizuka
Shizuka began her journey in Western calligraphy in 1998, first approaching the practice as a hobby. After marrying in 2000 and raising two children, she continued nurturing her interest in calligraphy while prioritising family life. A significant turning point came when her partner’s work brought the family to Chicago, USA, from 2015 to 2018, giving her renewed opportunities to deepen her engagement with the art form. Today, Shizuka’s practice centres on the expressive quality of lines and the exploration of textures created through letters. She is currently interested in integrating Japanese calligraphy and crafts into her work and is studying traditional Japanese mounting techniques.