In the world of fine art printmaking, magic happens in the space between the artist’s vision and the printer’s technical expertise. Few creative partnerships illustrate this dynamic better than the decades-long collaboration between artist Roger Shimomura and master printer Mike Sims, founder of The Lawrence Lithography Workshop (TLLW).
Since the workshop first opened its doors in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1979—before later relocating to Kansas City—Shimomura and Sims have worked side by side to pull over 100 striking editioned prints.
A Visionary Blend of Pop Art and Personal History
Roger Shimomura, a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Kansas, is celebrated across the globe for his provocative imagery. His work seamlessly blends American Pop Art and comic book aesthetics with traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock styles.
Yet, beneath the bold outlines and vibrant colors lies a deep exploration of identity, anti-Asian racism, and memory. As a toddler during World War II, Shimomura and his family were incarcerated at the Minidoka internment camp in Idaho following Executive Order 9066. Experiences from his childhood and excerpts from his grandmother’s daily diaries heavily inform his artwork.
To translate these complex themes into fine art prints, Shimomura turned to lithography—a process requiring exact color mixing, intricate layering, and meticulous stone and plate preparation.
The Role of the Master Printer
Enter Mike Sims. Having spent over 40 years collaborating with more than 200 artists nationwide, Sims is known for his immense patience and technical mastery. Printmaking is inherently collaborative: while the artist draws directly on the litho stone or plate, it is the master printer who controls the alchemy of chemical etching, ink density, and hand-pulled press pressure.
For Shimomura, working with TLLW meant having a trusted partner capable of capturing every crisp edge, graphic element, and subtle color shift required by his pop-infused aesthetic. Famous works created through their collaboration include iconic series like Minidoka, Kansas Samurai, and American Guardian—prints now held in major public collections, including The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
“Mike and I go way back… I think I was one of the first persons that he printed.”
— Roger Shimomura
A Lasting Legacy
Today, the work produced at The Lawrence Lithography Workshop stands as a testament to what is possible when artist and craftsman share a common dedication to excellence. The establishment of TLLW’s permanent archive at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ensures that the prints created by Shimomura and Sims will continue to educate, challenge, and inspire audiences for generations to come.
To learn more about current exhibitions or inquire about available prints, visit The Lawrence Lithography Workshop.