Detroit-based Ouizi thrives both in beautiful large scale floral murals as well as intricate gallery works and her latest editions Huo & Shui are a true testament to that. These Asian inspired hand-pulled screen prints were created here in the 1xRUN Detroit studios with Master Screen Printer Jonny Alexander, read on for more behind these beautiful editions…
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, was there an original created or was it made specifically for this print release?
Ouizi: These two prints are a conversation about duality. One represents fire, and one represents water. Both elements cancel each other out, but have purposes to fulfill on their own. They are both essential for continuing life, but have the ability to take life. Yin and yang. The style of this series was inspired by my recent trips to Thailand, Japan, and China. I visited a lot of temples and absorbed a lot of aesthetic information throughout the places I went via textiles, architecture, crafts, etc. The ornate background also serves as an opposite to the floral subject matter, being hard and grid like, whereas the flowers are organic and loose.
These drawings were created specifically for the print release because I felt that the imagery would translate well as a screen print because it is inherently layered.
The originals are drawings closely related to the topic of dualities. I am interested in combining more plain geometric shapes with the flowers, perhaps to be more deliberate with my content, and also because visually it is so striking!
1x: When was this piece created?
Ouizi: These pieces were created shortly after I came back from my trip to Shanghai. The words water (sui) and fire (hua) are hidden in the background pattern work.
1x: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Ouizi: I started two drawings with the floral foreground and the patterned background in my sketchbook on the airplane on my way home from Shanghai. They are currently on show at Will Leather Goods through Playground Detroit until the middle of August. As far as the execution, I draw the floral bouquet first, with no references generally, and then I piece together the background around it, also on the fly.
1x: How long did this piece take from start to finish?
Ouizi: Each drawing took about four days to complete.
1x: What is unique about this piece compared with some of your other work?
Ouizi: I’ve never done a screen printed edition before!
1x: Why should people buy one of these prints?
Ouizi: Because Jonny and I worked tirelessly to make them amazing!
1x: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Ouizi: Opposite!
1x: When did you first start creating artwork?
Ouizi: I have been making art since I can remember. I started pursuing illustration when I was in high school per my art teachers suggestion. I started painting murals in 2012 after I first visited Detroit.
1x: What was your first piece?
Ouizi: I think I was drawing cats when I was three or four.
1x: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Ouizi: I was very inspired by all the artists coming through Giant Robot. Eric Nakamura brought in some of the most insane illustrators and makers, and I was lucky enough to be one of them! The kind of stuff that inspires me now doesn’t always have a maker and isn’t shown in a gallery. Although there is always Ernst Haeckel, Jean Louis Prevost, and Olaf Hajek.
1x: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Ouizi: I usually listen to music, and it ranges from r&b, hip hop, techno, jazz, folk, bluegrass, blues, soul, funk, etc..
Ouizi At Murals In The Market
1x: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Ouizi: I’d love to collaborate with Seth Globepainter! His work is so empathic and the execution is so delicate and refined! I would want to work with an ancient calligraphy master from China.
1x: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last?
Ouizi: I think it was a litho print at my school’s annual print sale, and yes I do still have it. I bought a 1×1 inch canvas that was painted by a kid at an art fair in LA!
1x: How has 2016 been so far for you? What have you been up to?
Ouizi: It’s been very busy! I have met a lot of amazing people and painted in a lot of crazy places.
1x: Any other big plans for the Summer you want to share?
Ouizi: I am currently painting the Grand Rapids Ballet Company building. I also have work on display at Will Leather Goods hosted by Playground Detroit (as I mentioned before). I have a few more projects lined up as well, but I try to stay in the moment.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Ouizi: Website – Instagram @0uizi – Facebook
-1xRUN