For
any inquiries regarding Yoko’s artwork, purchasing or portrait commissions, publication rights, please contact at yoko@yokomazza.com.
Yoko’s words
“Noh” mask and I: “Noh” mask, the most important element of Japan’s traditional performing arts “Noh”, continually attracts me as a motif for my paintings. Slight adjustments in the position of the mask and light can expose the viewer to the full tapestry of human emotions and feelings such as - love, hate, sadness, jealousy, anger, depression and much much more.
By painting the wood sculpted “Noh” mask on canvas, I am hoping to be able to transform the canvas into “Noh” theatre. I want to be able to portray "Life Events and Fantasies" using the image of the mask. During the night, I often visualize and awaken to the image in the morning. The image does not fulfill itself until it takes on a life of its own as it introduces itself on my canvas and finally I meet the mask face to face.
About Yoko Mazza
Born in Hanyu City in Japan. Started exploring oil painting at the age of ten. Through study of Japanese calligraphy and painting, she was captured by the magic of lines and colors and has since created her unique blend of eastern art and western techniques.
Yoko's inspiration and art comes from her own experience in life, some of it tragic and some of it magic. She has lived in Tokyo, New York City, San Francisco, and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Education
1995 B.A. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
2002-03 Art Students League of New York
2004-06 Laguna College of Art and Design
2006-2009 San Francisco Art Institute
Exhibition
December 2003 The Concourse at The Art Students League of New York
August 2007 Diego Gallery, San Francisco
December 2007 Diego Gallery, San Francisco
April-June 2008 Solo Show at Squat & Gobble 4, San Francisco
May 2008 Open Studio at Hunters Point Shipyard, San Francisco
June 2008 Diego Gallery, San Francisco
Sep - Nov 2008 Solo Show at Crepes on Cole, San Francisco
Sep - Dec 2008 Group Show at Bayshore Film and Stage Studio, San Francisco
October 2008 Group Exhibition at the Cell Space, San Francisco
January 2009 Diego Gallery, San Francisco
January 2009 Solo Show at Cafe Francisco, San Francisco
February 2009 Solo Show at Squat & Gobble, San Francisco
June 2009 Diego Gallery, San Francisco
August 2009 Group Exhibition “Control” at SOMArt Gallery, San Francisco
October 2009 Spring Art Gallery, Los Angeles
December 2009 Spring Art Center - Lobby, Los Angeles