Artist Spotlight - Naoko Morisawa — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

Born in Tokyo, Japan, and studied art at Tama Art University Japan. I had worked as a commercial product designer for Godiva Chocolate and Twining Tea, and taught art classes in Tokyo, Yokohama, and the Canadian Embassy before moving in PNW, USA in 2004.

Naoko Morisawa, 2021, Wood and Paper Mosaic Collage, 36x48 inch, Journal at Moss Garden, Bloedel Reserve in Bainbridge Island USA. Collected into the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art USA

I have exhibited my work across the U.S. in more than 35 states, in Japanese museums, and the Dublin Biennale, National Weather Center Biennale, Bellingham National at Whatcom Museum, and Tokyo Art Olympia Biennale at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Japan.

Naoko Morisawa, 2018, Handcrafted Oil stained Wood and paper Mosaics Acrylic Oil Washi on Board, 40x90 inch,New Wave-Cloud Movement -Byobu style, Tripych

My artworks have been selected for the public art projects at City of Seattle, Kent, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Kent and Shoreline, Seattle Center, Seattle Public Utilities, Washington Convention Center, Macy’s Seattle, Amazon, Nordstrom Inc. General Electric HQ Exhibition.

Naoko Morisawa/ Morisawa Studio, 2023, Handmade Mosaic Collage, Green Heart- Big Heart Love, Exhibiting at Bainbridge Island Museum USA

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Seattle Convention Center New Summit Building, Walla Walla Community College, City of Seattle, City of Bellevue, City of Shoreline, City of Kent, City of Portland and Seattle International Airport have collected her artwork for the Public Art Collection.
More information can be found at Morisawa Studio website: www.naokomorisawa.com.
Seattle USA and Tokyo Japan

Naoko Morisawa and Morisawa Studio, 2023, Handcrafted Oil stained Wood and Paper Mosaics Acrylic Oil Washi. New Wave- Abstract Movement. Seattle International Airport Permanent Collection 2025

Artist Statement

My artwork is hand-made of hundreds of very small slices of natural and oil-stained wood and paper pieces. I like to incorporate the patterns in the wood and enhance them with oil-stain. The variety of wood grain is very beautiful and the pattern is never the same.

Morisawa Studio Public Art, 2024. Seattle Downtown Bus Station Kiosk Design at 3rd Ave. x Pine St. Seattle USA

The combinations of natural and oil-stained grains, and unique paper's textures create interesting shadows and impressions. The life of a tree and the energy in each grain of wood are why I use wood. And paper is basically made from wood.

Naoko Morisawa, Wood and Paper Mosaic Collage. 2023, 30x80 inch, Journal- Invisible world to the Shangri-La II

I make art that is natural, playful and lifts people’s spirits. But I also want my artwork to be about myself, like a diary. Each piece is created with the care one would use writing a letter to a loved one or friend. Bright, fun, and unusual subjects attract and inspire me to work in new directions.

Naoko Morisawa, Paper Mosaic Collage, 2023, 30x24 inch, New Target-Peacock, Exhibited at [Northwest School Now] Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge Island, WA

When seen from a distance, my artwork looks like a painting. The details of the work and mosaic technique slowly emerge when viewer comes closer. Mysterious creatures, people, illusions, waves, a cloud, a wave, and waterfalls, traditional pattern, etc. are recurring themes in my work.

Naoko Morisawa. Paper Mosaic Collage, 2024, 30x48 inch. New Wave- Abstract Movement II Japonism

I have been developing new works using other types of materials such as different kinds of papers in addition to the wood mosaic art-form. Paper is basically made from woods.
Thank you. NM/ KM

www.naokomorisawa.com
@nao.nap
@morris.studio