I love music, so much I could talk about it all day: No really, I could talk about it all day, but I also love art. Last month I was on Tumblr checking out a blog when I came across a piece of art work. This piece was beautiful, and very eye catching. So for this blog/interview I decided to go a different route, with that being said, I am pleased to introduce to you, Yumiko Kayukawa, a very brilliant artist! Enjoy!!
-LS
We’re going to start this Interview off with one of Yumiko’s Latest Pieces That She Decided To Share With Us,
Yumiko:
SHINSEKAI – New World
This is a painting from my newest show “Rock you in a Tatami room”. I made this piece with a theme of our current economy shock, incorporated with the history of Japan after WW2. Just like Japan survived and built up again from the ash, this painting is my hope and positive message for the future of the world. The sword is a symbol for Japanese spirit.
Actually the night before the show opening, the Earthquake happened in Japan. I am so shocked about this coincidence….
LS: Thank you for sharing this with Yumiko 
LS: In your paintings, you fuse Japanese Motifs, with American pop culture. These two elements create something very unique, and stylish. What was your biggest inspiration in creating these pieces? Are there any favorite musicians, artist, or fashion designers?
Yumiko: My inspiration comes from many directions. I love Animals, music, movies, politics, sports etc. Pretty much anything happens in my life. As for rock bands, I love any kind of long hair rock band from the 60-80s. I’m not aware of any fashion designers since I’m not a brand name type of girl. My favorite genre of music is KAYOKYOKU ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayōkyoku). My favorite Japanese rock band is the Crazy Ken Band (http://www.CrazyKenBand.com ).
LS: Every artist is different when it comes to creating works of art.
Could you talk to us a little bit about the creative process when painting a piece?
Yumiko: I usually make title first (I have a list of titles and I add anything to the list that comes to mind. The list is constantly growing). Once I have a title, I begin sketching on a paper; I then trace it on a canvas or wood board that is the same size. From there, I paint with acrylic and use a drawing pen to create very thins lines such as the animal hair you see in the paintings.
LS: How would you describe the feeling you get from creating such wonderful pieces?
Yumiko: It’s a joy as well as a surprise. I come up with new ideas in the process, so it’s hard to tell what the outcome is going to be at the end.
LS: You’re first debut into the art world was at age 16, which is pretty impressive. From what I understand your first piece of work was a Manga (graphic novel) feature. Was there ever a time you thought of becoming a Manga artist?
Yumiko: Some of my manga was published since the debut at 16, and at the time I really wanted to live as a Manga artist. But it was so difficult to survive the Manga world. I was very young and it and Manga requires a lot of drawing. The story put together was subject to the director’s opinion. At the end of my career, I had lost my focus point, and I just couldn’t enjoy what I was doing. I feel much happier creating artwork that tells a story. Maybe someday I’ll draw Manga again, but for now it’s just for a hobby.
LS: Since 2001, you’ve held many art shows, all of them a success. Which one of these shows would you say has been your favorite, and why?
Yumiko: My recent show “Rock You In A Tatami Room,” is my favorite. I think I always seem to like newest work, but this collection allowed me to connect my feeling and techniques together with a good balance.
Some of these works from this collection made people laugh, and that makes me happy.
LS: Do you have any new events coming up that you’re excited about?
Yumiko: I’m a part of some group shows coming up overseas. A group exhibition called “You lucky bastard tour” at Ayden gallery in Vancouver, as well as “Enchanted Forest” at Strychnin gallery in Berlin.
LS: In an interview you said, “I’d rather my paintings hang next to rock star pin-ups than on museum walls. Ultimately I want to connect with people all over the world on that level.” I love that statement as I think art, and music connects people all over the world, would you agree?
Yumiko: Yes I do. I always feel that music has more power than painting. To enjoy a painting, you need to look at the piece, but music you can just play it, and feel it anywhere you are. It’s more like,
“For Everyone.” I hope my paintings are just as enjoyable for everyone in the world just like music.
LS: I really enjoyed talking with you about your art, and want to thank you for spending time us! Is there something you would like to tell all your fans?
Yumiko: 2011 is my 10th anniversary since I started my career in the US. I truly appreciate of everyone’s big support to keep me being a busy artist.
Thank you so much for everybody. I will keep painting my fingers to the bone with your warm support 
LS: Hey everyone, be sure to to visit Yumiko’s website to see her artwork, as well as get information on upcoming shows!
http://www.sweetyumiko.com/artwork.php
