Lotus River

A spirit of rebirth and blossoming is alive in this Lotus River design. Reproducing a bright and lively contemporary work by Japanese American artist Yuko Shimizu, it brings a touch of whimsy to our Paperblanks collection.

The illustration on our cover was originally created for a 2015 issue of a specialized investment magazine with the intent to add a touch of creativity to the mundane. We are delighted to have Lotus River join our previous Holland Spring release in this Living with Yuko series.

Yuko’s work combines her Japanese heritage with contemporary references, particularly comic books and graphic design. For each new piece she creates, many of which are commissions, she begins with a sketch which she then enlarges to the ideal final size. This is then loosely transferred to watercolour paper before she inks the drawing, scans it to her computer and digitally adds in colour. Her blend of international influences and diverse media add layers to subsequent versions of each piece, creating a unique piece of work.

Shimizu first studied advertising and marketing before devoting herself full-time to her dual passions of art and travel. Today, she works out of her studio in Manhattan when not travelling the world giving lectures and running workshops.

May Yuko Shimizu’s own personal reinventions and the uplifting work she has created for this cover inspire your own personal journey of growth, development and chasing your dreams.