Erika Abe Portfolio 2023
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Erika Abe is a Japanese artist who creates abstract ink paintings inspired by nature. She depicts trees, octopuses, seascapes, and other natural subjects in a minimalist style using ink and paper. Abe seeks to capture the beauty and complexity she sees in ordinary natural forms. Her artwork is included in a portfolio and she provides descriptions of her creative process and inspiration drawn from Japanese printmakers and her travels in Ireland.
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Erika Abe Portfolio 2023
- 2. I stumbled upon a tree in the neighborhood one day. Though it had no name, I was inspired by its simple yet intricate features. Layering different shades of ink, I carefully depicted the tree's colors and depth. In his autobiography, "Seeing God in Broad Daylight," printmaker Kiyoshi Hasegawa wrote about discovering the cosmic melody in ordinary flowers and trees. He sought to capture their rhythm and feel a connection to something beyond human knowledge. I too felt this pull as I sketched trees repeatedly. My goal became to showcase the beauty of natural objects' complex and unbalanced forms, rather than focusing on their equilibrium and regularity. Painting the Tree - The Universe Beyond the Branches Dawn, 2023 Japanese paper, silver leaf, Sumi Ink, and mineral pigments H1167×W1167mm
- 3. Sense of Wonder, 2021 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, gold leaf, and silver leaf H1303×W894mm (4 pieces) Graduation work “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” - Rachel Carson As I gaze upon nature, I am surrounded by the picturesque scenery of trees, birds chirping, sunlight peeking through the leaves, fallen leaves, and countless insects hiding. The aroma of fresh soil after rain fills the air. The unspeakable beauty of nature overwhelms me, and I remind myself to capture these moments.
- 4. The Silver Tree, 2023 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, and shell powder H454×W158mm A Tree of Night, 2022 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, and silver leaf H1620×W1620mm This work was inspired by Truman Capote's novel "A Tree of Night and Other Stories". The tree is covered with sulfurized silver leaves. The abstract shape of the silhouette is overlaid with the mysterious and beautiful appearance of the tree at night.
- 5. I paint many trees as motifs because I depict nature as an abstract concept. Trees are the closest representation of nature in modern cities. Each tree has its unique patterns, depending on the season, angle of view, and environment. Even the tips of their branches and leaves form delicate shapes that add to their infinite variety. The Storytellers, 2023 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, mica powder H530×W727mm
- 6. Lure, 2023 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, and mineral pigments H1167 ×W803mm The octopus, a common sight among Japanese people, has a unique shape that is unlike any other creature. Its unusual shape captivates me, and I have visited the aquarium multiple times to sketch it. Recent studies suggest that the octopus is highly intelligent. While drawing them, I felt as though they could read my mind and sometimes they stare at me in a way that gave me goosebumps. The smooth and unique movement of their spiraling legs keeps me returning to draw them repeatedly. I try to capture the essence of the octopus by drawing it as if it has a spirit in every spiral of its body. Octopus - A fluid and mysterious figure
- 7. Abyss, 2020 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, gold leaf, and silver leaf H1300 ×W1620mm There is a profound admiration for the mysterious creatures that inhabit the deep and endless sea. Through my exploration of the octopus in Western culture, I have come to appreciate the diverse perspectives on these creatures and the ocean across different cultures. To create a striking contrast against the dark Sumi ink, I incorporated gold leaf for the eyes and sulfurized silver leaf for the suckers in my artwork.
- 8. Beautiful Seto island sea. This piece is a depiction of the sea in my childhood memories. Silhouette of silver-leaf-made shoal fish represents circulation of life and mysterious luck brought by a stunning sea. Shallows, 2022 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, and silver leaf H894×W1455mm
- 9. Twilight, 2020 (Connemara National Park, Galway, Ireland) Japanese paper, sumi ink, and mineral pigments H1303×W970mm A White Horse, 2019 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments H318×W410mm Travel in Ireland 2019 During my several-week trip to Ireland, I witnessed unforgettable sights, including serene lakes, stunning green mountains, and valleys. Moved by the Celtic culture's belief in nature spirits and their storytelling, I painted these pieces. It's interesting to note that both Japanese religion and Celtic beliefs share animism, which is the idea that nature has a spirit or soul. Both cultures hold a deep respect for nature, seeing it as a source of power, wisdom, and inspiration.
- 10. I visited the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland, where the ancient Celtic culture still thrives. I discovered an old cemetery belonging to a Celtic abbey that has been overtaken by nature over the years. The ruins of a monastery from the 8th century mark the rise of Christianity in Ireland. The Celtic people, who previously worshipped nature, incorporated the new religion into their culture, similar to the way Buddhism was woven into Shintoism in Japan. Although the stone abbey cemetery has decayed, it is still functioning today as evidenced by the newer surrounding tombs. I sketched the cemetery and created a drawing on Japanese paper with conte, without a rough sketch, to preserve the natural shapes. I added Sumi ink and minimal mineral pigment colors while retaining the conte lines. The Shape of Rocks, 2019 (Inishmore, The Aran Islands, Ireland) Japanese paper, Sumi ink, conte, chalk, and mineral pigmentsH1167×W910mm (3 pieces)
- 11. Frame, 2017 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, shell powder, mineral pigments H652×W530mm Magnolia, 2019 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, coffee, and shell powder H530×W455mm This is an experimental work in which lines are drawn in sumi ink and colored with coffee stains. I drew the exquisite colors produced by naturally occurring dyes. Plants and Creatures
- 12. Northern white rhinoceros, 2019 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, and silver leaf H1300 ×W1620mm Northern white rhinos, who are the world's second- largest land animals right after elephants, once roamed the plains of East and Central Africa. Over time, they were severely affected by illegal poaching and habitat. The world's last two northern white rhinos are both female. This means that the critically endangered subspecies can no longer reproduce naturally and so extinction for the rhinos is looming with each passing day. Daydream, 2018 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, shell powder, and silver leaf H1167×W910mm Constellation, 2018 Japanese paper, mineral pigments, and silver leaf H350 ×W270mm
- 13. Barn owl, 2020 Japanese paper, color pencil, and mineral pigments H455×W380mm Clairvoyance, 2019 Japanese paper, Sumi ink, mineral pigments, shell powder, and silver leaf H910×W727mm
- 14. To me, drawing is like keeping a diary, practicing a skill, and preserving memories. As I strive to capture the essence of my subject, I approach each stroke as a gentle touch. Daily Sketches