Valerie Syposz
Canada/Usa
Valerie Syposz was born in Ottawa, Canada. She earned a BFA from Concordia University in Montreal, exploring a range of print media. In 2010 she moved to Tokyo as a Japanese Government MEXT Scholar and completed an MFA in printmaking at Tokyo University of the Arts, specializing in ball‑grained plate lithography. She continues to study mokuhanga, wood engraving and alternative lithographic techniques.
Artist Interview
Q: What first drew you to making art—and can you remember the moment it stopped being just a hobby and started feeling like something more meaningful?
A: I have always enjoyed working with my hands, creating things. It’s what comes most naturally to me. I was lucky to have a specialized art high school in my hometown that introduced me to a variety of mediums and potentials of expression through art.
During those formative years, I first encountered printmaking, in the form of linocut and intaglio, and immediately felt a connection with the processes. I had doubts about being able to make art my career, so initially I enrolled in a math and science program at university. That time away from making art is when it became clear to me what I wanted to do with my life. I left that first university, applied for art school and never looked back. Reflecting on the art history I had learnt at that point, the books were filled with praise for painters and sculptors, and works on paper were often portrayed as lesser forms. So, although I knew that I liked printmaking, I first chose to major in painting and drawing.
However, it was only ever in the print studios where I felt fully satisfied. I took as many print classes as I could, trying to absorb as many techniques as possible, and finally recognized that print was as valid as any other medium. My love of printmaking was solidified, and I have been living a life full of art ever since.
Q: What does the beginning of your creative process look like? Do you start with a clear vision, or let your work lead the way?