about

Ambre Aki Gonzales obtained her BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara: College of Creative Studies with emphases in book arts and sculpture and a minor in music. While at UCSB, Gonzales participated in the Department of Art Honors Program under the guidance of Harry Reese (Turkey Press) and Jane Mulfinger. Her work at the time largely centered around the use of audio cassette tapes both as material and conceptual inspiration. After completing her degree, Gonzales spent 2 years living in Japan, 2 months of which she was in Kyoto assisting paper artist, Kyoko Ibe. While living and working with Ibe, Gonzales learned traditional Japanese techniques for fabricating byoubu art screens as well as aspects of Japanese papermaking.

Currently living in Altadena, California, Gonzales is building her art practice at SOPA Studios in South Pasadena. Her new works use print and book arts to explore concepts of personal intentions and perceptions. In form, Gonzales is exploring the role of “craft,” “low art” and the “handmade” in the digital-driven 21st century. These works combine digital media and traditional craft, implementing some of Kyoko Ibe’s traditional Japanese techniques.

“Very few things can be said to have been made by hand, but, if there are any operations involving a tool which may legitimately called hand-work, then perhaps these are they.“

- David Pye, The Nature and Art of Workmanship