ABOUT NORIKO
I’m Noriko Matsubara - I’m an artist, children’s book author and mother of two children. I write and illustrate picture books about a pair of socks. Bocchi and Pocchi : A Tale of Two Socks is my first picture book. The inspiration for the story came from my childhood as I would watch my grandma regularly darning socks and wondering what might happen to them. Bocchi and Pocchi and the Bird and Bocchi and Pocchi’s Big Surprise are the follow-ups. I am going to continue with this series as there are so many adventures these woolly socks could have together! While I illustrate my books with coloured pencils, I practice paper collage called ‘chigiri-e’. Chigiri-e is a traditional Japanese art form in which pictures are created from hand-torn Japanese paper called washi. Instead of traditional washi I use newspaper, which adds a contemporary dimension to the work and creates a unique contrast between subject (they are often inspired by the natural world) and materials. My process begins with finding different colours and patterns on newspaper. Then I tear and glue the newspaper pieces onto paper. Every single piece on my chigiri-e is from newspaper, with no added colours and no use of scissors. I like tearing paper instead of cutting as it gives the picture soft edges thus warm feeling. I spent much of my childhood daydreaming about imaginary worlds and doodling in notebooks. While art was my passion, I became a Japanese language teacher and taught Japanese in Lebanon, Canada and the UK. A consequence of my travels was my decision to follow my passion, and I went on to study visual arts at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada and completed a MA in Fine Art at Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design in the UK. I currently live in Consett, County Durham with my husband and two children. |
CV
Bio: b. Hachinohe, Japan
Lives and works in Consett, County Durham, UK
Education
2008 MA Fine Art
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London, England
2007 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Art
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
2000 Bachelor of Education Degree
Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
Solo Exhibitions
2013 A Tale of Two Socks: an exhibition of original artwork from the picture book Bocchi & Pocchi,
Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2012 Noriko Matsubara The World of Chigiri-e, Essex Record Office, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
Noriko Matsubara The World of Chigiri-e, Harlow Central Library, Harlow, Essex, UK
2011 A Window into Art, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2010 Chigiri-e & Hishizashi Exhibition, Cafe Olive, London, UK
2 and 3 Person Exhibitions
2012 Life and Colour, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2007 Different Views, Arts and Culture Centre, Newfoundland, Canada
2006 Discovering Cultures, Arts and Culture Centre, Newfoundland, Canada
Selected Group Exhibitions
2014 Harlow Open 2014, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2012 Harlow Open 2012, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Seen, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Photo Open, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2011 Drawn from Essex, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
The improbability of a well-balanced mind, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Gatehouse Open, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2010 SHOW 1, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Harlow Open 2010, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2009 The MINUCO Art Show ’09, Coningsby Gallery, London, UK
Info available from: http://www.minuco.com/artshow/weeblylink_new_window
2008 MA Fine Art Degree Show, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London, UK
2008 This Constant Cracking of the Surface, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design MA Fine Art
Interim Show, Bargehouse Oxo Tower Wharf, London, UK
2007 Segment, 4th Year Students Exhibition, Visual Arts Program, the Queen Elizabeth the II Library at
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
2007 Segment, 4th Year Students Exhibition, Visual Arts Program, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Art Gallery,
Canada
2006 Harlow Art Exhibition, Harlow Campus Trust, Old Harlow, Essex, UK
2006 Art in a Suitcase, Noyelles, France
2006 The Persistence of Multiples - Photogravure: An Intersection of Photography and Printmaking,
Anna Leonowens Gallery, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, Canada
2005 The SeaRose Collection, Humber Valley Resort, Newfoundland, Canada
2004 Red Show, Eastern Front Gallery, Toronto, Canada
Collections
SeaRose Collection, Husky Energy Inc., Canada
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Art Gallery Collection, Canada
The Memorial University Archives, Print Collection, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Canada
Awards & Honors
2007 University Medal for Academic Excellence in Fine Arts (Visual Art)
2007 Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador Fine Art Competition, Second Prize
2005 The Imperial Tobacco Canada Fine Arts Scholarship
2005 Cottage Crafts Association Scholarship
Publications
2016 Bocchi and Pocchi's Big Surprise, Troika Books, UK
2014 Bocchi and Pocchi and the Bird, Troika Books, UK
2013 Bocchi + Pocchi: A Tale of Two Socks, Troika Books, UK
Press File
2016 "Bocchi & Pocchi’s Big Surprise by Noriko Matsubara," Lancashire Evening Post, August. (UK)
Available from: http://www.lep.co.uk/lifestyle/books/book-review-wartime-drama-a-gunpowder-plot-and-a-trainee-witch-1-8074234
2014 “Bocchi and Pocchi and the Bird by Noriko Matsubara,” Parents in Touch, July. (UK)
Available from: http://www.parentsintouch.co.uk/Book-reviews-fiction-age-2-to-5-page-12
2014 “Bocchi + Pocchi and the Bird by Noriko Matsubara,” Our Book Reviews Online, July 28. Available from: http://www.ourbookreviewsonline.blogspot.jp/2014/07/bocchi-pocchi-and-bird-by-noriko.html
2014 “Author launches children’s book in library,” Harlow Star, July 26, 7. (UK)
2014 “Book review: A picture perfect summer of fun,” Lancashire Evening Post, July 24. (UK) Available from: http://www.lep.co.uk/what-s-on/reviews/books/book-review-a-picture-perfect-summer-of-fun-1-6743313
2013 “Bocchi and Pocchi A Tale of Two Socks by Noriko Matsubara,” Our Book Reviews Online, August 13.
Available from:
http://www.ourbookreviewsonline.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/bocchi-and-pocchi-tale-of-two-socks-by.html
2013 “All aboard for the holidays!” The Independent on Sunday, July 21, 55. (UK) Available from:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/childrens-summer-reading-treats-for-the-very-young-8722948.html?origin=internalSearch
2013 “Noriko Matsubara Interview & Competition,” Book Events for Children, May 27. Available from:
http://www.bookeventsforchildren.co.uk/noriko-matsubara-interview-competition/
2013 “Book Club,” Teach Nursery, Issue 3.4, May, 77. (UK)
2010 "Noriko Matsubara," Interview by Adorngirl, June 5 (UK)
Available from: http://adorngirl.com/noriko-matsubara/
2008 “Review: Central St Martin’s MA Fine Art Show,” Londonist [Internet]] February 1. (UK)
Available from: http://londonist.com/2008/02/_we_really_didn.phpweeblylink_new_window
2007 “ ‘Different views’ on exhibit at city center,” The Western Star, January 19, 4. (Canada)
2006 “Faire ses valises, c’est un art: Rencontres Artistiques,” Le Journal d’Abbeville, June. (France)
Alain Monti. “Des Terre-Neuviens envisite en baie,” Le Courrier Picard, June. (France)
“Cultures work together in spirit of camaraderie,” Grenfell Connects, 11. (Canada)
“Multi-cultural exhibit wrapping up Tuesday,” The Western Star, January 28, 4. (Canada)
2005 “Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Husky Energy unveil SeaRose Collection,” The Western Star, May 24, 13.
(Canada)
“SeaRose collection inspires students, family,” The Humber Log, May 18-24, 7. (Canada)
“Opening of SeaRose Collection: amazing experience: student,” Gazette, A Memorial University of
Newfoundland Publication, Volume 37, No. 4, May 19, 1. (Canada)
Artist's Talks
2013 Abbotsweld School, Harlow, Essex, UK
2012 Passmore Academy, Harlow, Essex, UK
2011 Memorial University of Newfoundland Harlow Campus, Harlow, Essex, UK
Bio: b. Hachinohe, Japan
Lives and works in Consett, County Durham, UK
Education
2008 MA Fine Art
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London, England
2007 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Art
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
2000 Bachelor of Education Degree
Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
Solo Exhibitions
2013 A Tale of Two Socks: an exhibition of original artwork from the picture book Bocchi & Pocchi,
Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2012 Noriko Matsubara The World of Chigiri-e, Essex Record Office, Chelmsford, Essex, UK
Noriko Matsubara The World of Chigiri-e, Harlow Central Library, Harlow, Essex, UK
2011 A Window into Art, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2010 Chigiri-e & Hishizashi Exhibition, Cafe Olive, London, UK
2 and 3 Person Exhibitions
2012 Life and Colour, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2007 Different Views, Arts and Culture Centre, Newfoundland, Canada
2006 Discovering Cultures, Arts and Culture Centre, Newfoundland, Canada
Selected Group Exhibitions
2014 Harlow Open 2014, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2012 Harlow Open 2012, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Seen, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Photo Open, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2011 Drawn from Essex, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
The improbability of a well-balanced mind, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Gatehouse Open, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2010 SHOW 1, Gatehouse Arts Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
Harlow Open 2010, Gibberd Gallery, Harlow, Essex, UK
2009 The MINUCO Art Show ’09, Coningsby Gallery, London, UK
Info available from: http://www.minuco.com/artshow/weeblylink_new_window
2008 MA Fine Art Degree Show, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London, UK
2008 This Constant Cracking of the Surface, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design MA Fine Art
Interim Show, Bargehouse Oxo Tower Wharf, London, UK
2007 Segment, 4th Year Students Exhibition, Visual Arts Program, the Queen Elizabeth the II Library at
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
2007 Segment, 4th Year Students Exhibition, Visual Arts Program, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Art Gallery,
Canada
2006 Harlow Art Exhibition, Harlow Campus Trust, Old Harlow, Essex, UK
2006 Art in a Suitcase, Noyelles, France
2006 The Persistence of Multiples - Photogravure: An Intersection of Photography and Printmaking,
Anna Leonowens Gallery, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax, Canada
2005 The SeaRose Collection, Humber Valley Resort, Newfoundland, Canada
2004 Red Show, Eastern Front Gallery, Toronto, Canada
Collections
SeaRose Collection, Husky Energy Inc., Canada
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Art Gallery Collection, Canada
The Memorial University Archives, Print Collection, Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Canada
Awards & Honors
2007 University Medal for Academic Excellence in Fine Arts (Visual Art)
2007 Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador Fine Art Competition, Second Prize
2005 The Imperial Tobacco Canada Fine Arts Scholarship
2005 Cottage Crafts Association Scholarship
Publications
2016 Bocchi and Pocchi's Big Surprise, Troika Books, UK
2014 Bocchi and Pocchi and the Bird, Troika Books, UK
2013 Bocchi + Pocchi: A Tale of Two Socks, Troika Books, UK
Press File
2016 "Bocchi & Pocchi’s Big Surprise by Noriko Matsubara," Lancashire Evening Post, August. (UK)
Available from: http://www.lep.co.uk/lifestyle/books/book-review-wartime-drama-a-gunpowder-plot-and-a-trainee-witch-1-8074234
2014 “Bocchi and Pocchi and the Bird by Noriko Matsubara,” Parents in Touch, July. (UK)
Available from: http://www.parentsintouch.co.uk/Book-reviews-fiction-age-2-to-5-page-12
2014 “Bocchi + Pocchi and the Bird by Noriko Matsubara,” Our Book Reviews Online, July 28. Available from: http://www.ourbookreviewsonline.blogspot.jp/2014/07/bocchi-pocchi-and-bird-by-noriko.html
2014 “Author launches children’s book in library,” Harlow Star, July 26, 7. (UK)
2014 “Book review: A picture perfect summer of fun,” Lancashire Evening Post, July 24. (UK) Available from: http://www.lep.co.uk/what-s-on/reviews/books/book-review-a-picture-perfect-summer-of-fun-1-6743313
2013 “Bocchi and Pocchi A Tale of Two Socks by Noriko Matsubara,” Our Book Reviews Online, August 13.
Available from:
http://www.ourbookreviewsonline.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/bocchi-and-pocchi-tale-of-two-socks-by.html
2013 “All aboard for the holidays!” The Independent on Sunday, July 21, 55. (UK) Available from:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/childrens-summer-reading-treats-for-the-very-young-8722948.html?origin=internalSearch
2013 “Noriko Matsubara Interview & Competition,” Book Events for Children, May 27. Available from:
http://www.bookeventsforchildren.co.uk/noriko-matsubara-interview-competition/
2013 “Book Club,” Teach Nursery, Issue 3.4, May, 77. (UK)
2010 "Noriko Matsubara," Interview by Adorngirl, June 5 (UK)
Available from: http://adorngirl.com/noriko-matsubara/
2008 “Review: Central St Martin’s MA Fine Art Show,” Londonist [Internet]] February 1. (UK)
Available from: http://londonist.com/2008/02/_we_really_didn.phpweeblylink_new_window
2007 “ ‘Different views’ on exhibit at city center,” The Western Star, January 19, 4. (Canada)
2006 “Faire ses valises, c’est un art: Rencontres Artistiques,” Le Journal d’Abbeville, June. (France)
Alain Monti. “Des Terre-Neuviens envisite en baie,” Le Courrier Picard, June. (France)
“Cultures work together in spirit of camaraderie,” Grenfell Connects, 11. (Canada)
“Multi-cultural exhibit wrapping up Tuesday,” The Western Star, January 28, 4. (Canada)
2005 “Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, Husky Energy unveil SeaRose Collection,” The Western Star, May 24, 13.
(Canada)
“SeaRose collection inspires students, family,” The Humber Log, May 18-24, 7. (Canada)
“Opening of SeaRose Collection: amazing experience: student,” Gazette, A Memorial University of
Newfoundland Publication, Volume 37, No. 4, May 19, 1. (Canada)
Artist's Talks
2013 Abbotsweld School, Harlow, Essex, UK
2012 Passmore Academy, Harlow, Essex, UK
2011 Memorial University of Newfoundland Harlow Campus, Harlow, Essex, UK