1xRUN Thru Interview
Shyness by Yumiko Kayukawa
1xRUN: When was this piece created and with what materials?
Yumiko Kayukawa: This piece was done in 2013, and I used acrylic paint on canvas.
1xRun: Tell us a bit about how the idea and execution for this piece came about?
Yumiko Kayukawa: Part of this piece was based on my personality. I am shy to talk about myself, but it’s easier to show my personality through my paintings. I painted a girl who talks about herself with her attitude, not with words.
1xRun: How long did this piece take?
Yumiko Kayukawa: It was round 80-90 hours from start to finish.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Yumiko Kayukawa: Painting and drawing is always my biggest passion since I was a little child. I was painting and drawing whole my life, but I couldn’t find a chance to introduce my work to the public in Japan. When I was in my late 20’s, one of my friends from the U.S. suggested to try a gallery there. So I did and my paintering career started. My first piece for the public was “Dancing All Night.” It was made with acrylic and ink on paper for my first U.S. show at Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle, in 2001.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? What artists inspire you now?
Yumiko Kayukawa: Early on it was Tsubame Kamogawa. As for now I’m a big fan of Scott C and Ken Tanaka.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work?
Yumiko Kayukawa: I listen to music or play Japanese TV/radio shows on Youtube. Music, I love 60 – 80’s rock or Japanese pop songs. My favorite band today is Crazy Ken Band.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Yumiko Kayukawa: Website – Facebook – Twitter @yumikokayukawa
-1xRUN