We welcome back Yumiko Kayukawa as she returns with her latest editions, Sister Series which inspiration from Japanese Yakuza mob movies. Created using bold black lines and powerful red acrylic these pieces translated beautifully to clean letter press imagery. Featuring Lioness, Hawk, Tigress and Thunderbird you can snag each print individually or in a 4-print set! We also have the original pen & ink drawings available as well. Read on as Yumiko gives us the story behind her latest editions . . .
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about these 4 images, anything immediate you would like us to highlight about this series?
Yumiko Kayukawa: As I enjoyed drawing all the details and line work, I hope people enjoy them too.
1x: Was this image part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
Kayukawa: These series are brand new, but it’s not recent theme for me. I have always used this theme – inspired from Yakuza (mob) movies.
1x: What materials were used to create the original pieces?
Kayukawa: This piece was created in August of 2017, using sumi ink on paper board. The red parts are done with acrylic paint.
1x: Tell us how the idea and execution came about for this series?
Kayukawa: This idea was in my list for a long time. These ladies are “Yakuza” which is a genre of the movies I love. When 1xRUN and I started discuss about create this 1-2 color prints series, I immediately thought the bold black line image will be perfect for these strong ladies personality. So I decided to draw them.
1x: How long did each of these images take to create from start to finish?
Kayukawa: I guess about 45 hours per image.
1x: What is unique about this series compared with your other work?
Kayukawa: I’ve created all the details with pen and Sumi Ink, using the technique of Manga drawing I used to do.
1x: Why should people buy this one of these prints?
Kayukawa: Because the bold images will be a great accent of your room!
1x: Describe this series in one gut reaction word.
Kayukawa: Blood.
1x: What have you been up to over the last few months? Bring us up to speed on how 2017 went for you?
Kayukawa: I’ve been working for several group exhibitions. I love to be busy, even if I have some time, I still keep going create and craft as hobbies. I am happy to have had another busy year.
1x: Any recent shows or exhibitions that you had?
Kayukawa: I was a part of a group exhibition dedicated to Guillermo del Toro, at the Copro Gallery.
1x: What are some of the ways you have been trying to push yourself with your work over the last year?
Kayukawa: Imagine what makes me happy and laugh. Some funny ideas motivate me for creation. Also keep balance between “job” and “joy” for healthy mind.
1x: Do you have any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Kayukawa: 2 group shows coming up, the annual coaster show at the Nucleus Portland, and the 31st anniversary drawing show at the La Luz De Jesus.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Yumiko Kayukawa: Website – Facebook
-1xRUN