Chieko Shimizu Fujioka, a glass mosaic artist based in San Jose, California, specializes in public installations and private residential commissions. Born and raised in Japan, Chieko established her career after moving to the Bay Area and is now entering her pre-mid-career phase as a professional artist. Here, she shares her journey, along with the mindsets that have helped her maintain resilience and a healthy balance between her demanding career and personal life.
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The Unseen Threads: My Journey into Mosaic Art
My artistic journey began when I turned 30, following my move to California. Lacking formal art education, my primary avenue for entering the art world was to attend as many art meetups and classes as possible. I wanted to allow myself to “find the true voice” within me. As clichéd as it may sound, this endeavor was arguably the most crucial step I took before becoming an artist.
I sought a creative outlet, ultimately discovering mosaic art through a community center meetup. I was immediately captivated by its intricate beauty.
As my passion for creation grew, so did my desire for a career in art. The biggest challenge wasn't the art itself, but my own self-esteem. It was difficult to embrace the title of "artist" without a consistent income, and the lack of understanding from those around me—which stemmed not from malice, but from an unfamiliarity with the artist's career path and market—often felt disappointing.
Despite these hurdles, the act of creation itself was profoundly healing. Each piece felt like mending past mistakes and rebuilding myself. The act of broken pieces being reassembled to become stronger symbolizes the inner resilience we all possess. Creating became a reason for living. The true essence of mosaic creation was deeply ingrained within me at this point.
Navigating Uncertainty: My "High Hope, Low Expectations" Mantra
Like any freelancer, I knew the journey would be challenging, and my mindset became my most valuable tool. My motto, "High hope, low expectations," was what kept me afloat and prevented me from faltering when uncertainty loomed large. I learned to believe that if nothing was happening, it was normal; if something did happen, it was a pure miracle.
Uncertainty was omnipresent, but local art shows and the internet became beacons of hope for a budding freelancer. Seeing young, bold artists promoting themselves on social media inspired me, and the increased online traffic during the pandemic also provided unexpected opportunities. Creating vibrant, optimistic glass art resonated well with the healthcare environment, and I was able to secure commissions from clients in that sector.
The Paradox of Accomplishment: Finding My Artistic Voice
The first four years were a whirlwind of activity. Commissions poured in, providing an exhilarating adrenaline boost. Significant projects began to materialize, which was incredibly exciting. Seeing a healthy income grow filled me with pride, yet I still found it difficult to truly call myself an artist. The challenge was that my work was always for someone else; I hadn't dedicated enough time to creating anything solely for myself. Furthermore, I realized I needed to manage my time more intelligently.
Shifting Gears: Inspiration as My Guide
It became clear it was time to dedicate more time to my own artistic exploration. Fortunately, my commissions had provided the financial stability to do so. This newfound freedom allowed me to decline projects that didn't genuinely resonate with me and to focus on creating work I believed was worth passing down to future generations. This shift also transformed my understanding of creativity itself. It was no longer just about pleasure; it was about discipline.
Chieko Shimuzu Fujioka, After Dark -常闇- (2025), Acrylic, glass on wood
What It Means to Be an Artist: Restarting "Finding Light in Darkness"
As my mindset shifted, my approach to creativity evolved. The joy of creation transformed into a rigorous discipline, and the typical sense of satisfaction often eluded me. Instead, I felt a powerful, unyielding urge to keep moving forward, to give birth to something that transcended words. The fundamental purpose of glass mosaic art remained unchanged, but I began to find a deeper resonance in discovering that small light within the darkness of the creative process—a purpose that truly began to resonate with me. Vibrant, colorful aesthetics still remain my favorite, but as I experience life, I realized that what I personally connect to is the idea of having a dark yet hopeful object near me. We are all attracted to art because we understand the challenges of life, and transforming this idea into an object started to hold significant importance for me. The decision to start a new collection called “Obscura” reflects the idea of presenting the true strength we all possess in life, by illustrating light within darkness.
I am very honored to have my first piece from “Obscura” displayed at New Museum Los Gatos.
