Explore the art of Mariko Ishii at the Festival of Arts satellite gallery foaSOUTH on display April 9 thru July 13, 2015. The exhibit showcases Mariko’s printmaking series, titled “Dialogues with Nature.” Her artwork “Still Cold Air” was purchased for the Festival’s Permanent Art Collection in 2012. The public is invited to a meet the artist at a special reception on May 7 from 6 – 9pm during First Thursdays Art Walk in Laguna Beach.
Mariko was born and educated in Yokohama, Japan. After graduating from Ferris University in Japan, she studied art at Saddleback College. She has had annual solo exhibitions in Japan for the past 15 years and juried exhibitions around Southern California for over 28 years. Mariko has exhibited at the Festival of Arts since 2007.
Using a multiple-color linocut technique, Mariko develops colors on the print by cutting the plate each time for each color. At the end, the plate is destroyed, hence the name ‘suicide print.’ She draws inspiration from nature (especially trees), her daily life, traveling, and literature.
“Mariko is a wonderful printmaker who has exhibited in our summer fine art show for eight years,” said Ron Morrissette, Festival of Arts Exhibit Director. “Mariko’s work does an amazing job of bringing the viewer into a place showcasing both nature and emotion.”
ABOUT FOA SOUTH
Opened as a collaboration between Festival of the Arts and Active Culture, foaSOUTH serves visitors and residents of Laguna Beach by promoting Festival-related exhibitions throughout the year. Located at 1006 S. Coast Highway on the corner of Anita and PCH, the gallery has partnered with Active Culture to provide frozen yogurt and natural foods on the premises at their café.
Open weekdays from 10am – 9pm and weekends from 8am – 9pm. The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization whose proceeds go to support the arts in and about Laguna Beach. For more information, call (949) 494-1145 or go online to www.LagunaFestivalofArts.com
