
Untitled (Downtown Market Grand Rapids) | 2017
My work engages in an intuitive practice, not just labor and execution, but a process of making patterns, by drawing, painting, carving, cutting, and printing. My brain is constantly spinning to make my next decision of how I want to move, looking for reactions between lines, ideas, and associations between the contemporary and personal history, perspective, thought, Japanese heritage and permanent memory.The work is a tool to rediscovering the Japanese history and culture. I realized this after moving to the United States, where everyone asks me questions about where I came from. Since I didn’t pay much attention to my everyday life while in Japan, I had to do research about my own country, its culture and its history to show what Japan is like, from both historical and cultural viewpoints. What becomes evident in studying history is patterns. The patterns used in my work show the ripple, steam and flow of water which is important because Japan is surrounded by the ocean. I am influenced by Japanese art, especially the Japanese block prints (Ukiyo-e) from the 17th century through the 19thcentury; waves and rivers, how these waters are rendered fascinates me.

After a Light Rain | 2018

It was a chipped stone | 2018
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by C.O.C.A.
Taro Takizawa is an artist who focuses on printmaking, wall vinyl installations, drawings and 2D designs. Born in Tomakomai, Japan in 1984, he has been making images connecting what he has experienced in Japan where he grew up and in the U.S. since he moved here in 2002 and currently resides. His works contains both western and eastern aesthetics with appreciation of traditional printmaking processes and markmaking. He is fascinated with blending the boundaries of contemporary studio practice and traditional processes, printmaking and installations, influenced by traditional Japanese patterns from textile designs, architecture and crafts. He received with his BFA with a printmaking emphasis from Central Michigan University in 2011, and MFA in printmaking from Syracuse University.