Tadashi Shimode

About the Artist

Carrying On the Techniques and Spirit of Kaga Makie

Lacquer artist Tadashi Shimode, a rightful successor to Kaga Makie, studied under makie artist, First Generation Ikko Kiyose, and mastered his advanced techniques. With the robust and meticulous makie techniques nurtured in the prosperous Kaga Domain (current Kanazawa) culture at the base, he creates artwork that fuses classical aesthetics with modern sensibility. Engaging with the materials with sincerity and creating the artwork one step at a time, his artwork possesses undeniable dignity and an elegant presence. When making his artwork, he wants to emotionally support those who see his work. He says, "I would think it was worth making my artwork if a person thought he was 'saved' by my artwork." He continues to pursue creating artwork that touches people's hearts.

Style

As a true successor of the Kaga makie that has been made in Kanazawa since the Edo period, I have been preserving the traditional designs, techniques and skills, and make artwork with classic patterns. At the same time, I also make artwork being inspired by something like a flower that evokes a scenery or feelings from past memories.
If someone sees my work and feels saved and relieved, I would think the effort I put into creating the work was worthwhile.

Biography

• 1960
  Born in Yamanaka-onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture
• 1983
  Graduated from the Faculty of Economics at the Osaka Gakuin University
  Studied under 1st Generation KIYOSE Ikko
• 1997
  Selected for the Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Urushi Works for the first time
• 1998
  Selected for the Ishikawa Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for the first time
• 2013
  Selected for the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition for the first time
• 2017
  Exhibited at the 50th Anniversary Kanazawa Lacquerware Exhibition