Artist Bio

​

I am the third child of six of S. Don Shimazu, structural/civil engineer, and founder of SSFM, and Chiyoko I. Shimazu, master gardener and wonderful mother. All my siblings are artistic and creative though two decided to become lawyers.

 

Artist Statement

​

Being a goldsmith satisfies so many of my interests and inclinations. It appeals to the designer, collector of pretty gemstones, technophile, and tool junkie parts of me. My father was a structural and civil engineer and I apprenticed under a traditionally trained German goldsmith. Both men instilled in me the desire to learn technical skills and solve structural and functional problems. This has allowed me to realize my artistic visions.

 

Sometimes I work directly in metal. Fabricating is so immediate and exacting. I have total control over the processes and this appeals to the control freak in me. At other times, I work in wax. Wax is forgiving. It lets me work more freely and dimensionally.

 

With the economy so fluid, I have focused my production using silver and bronze. I will, however, do gold, platinum, and gemstones for bespoke commissions.