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────────ABOUT ARTIST TV INTERVIEW────────
"Yukari Blair"
Hello everyone! Welcome to ABOUT ARTIST TV!
ABOUT ARTIST TV is an art channel run by the art marketplace "FROM ARTIST."
As some of you may already know, FROM ARTIST publishes an original magazine called "ABOUT ARTIST" that introduces artists' roots and their thoughts on their work.
This art channel is a rare opportunity to invite artists to speak directly to us about the thoughts they put into their work. Please enjoy until the very end.
All of the works introduced here are one-of-a-kind pieces currently for sale at FROM ARTIST.
If you see any works that interest you, please check them out using the links.
Now, let's welcome today's guest, Yukari Blair! Yukari, nice to meet you!
Artist:
Thank you very much! I was really looking forward to being able to show you my work in detail today!
──Self-introduction
FROM ARTIST Staff:
First, please give us a brief introduction about yourself!
Artist details page:
https://from-artist.com/collections/yukari-blair
Artist:
Nice to meet you, I'm Yukari Blair.
I have traveled to about 20 countries and met many different people.
During my trip to Southern Italy, I had a profound experience that made me realize that "everyone is a unique and precious being, and already wonderful just the way they are." This realization brought me great joy, and it sparked in me the desire to share this message with as many people as possible.
After that, after separating from her father, she began attending a psychology school, where she encountered crayons (oil pastels) for the first time since childhood, and discovered the joy of free expression through art.
The theme of the work is "the preciousness of existence" and "the brilliance of the individual."
Her paintings of women were inspired by her travels, as well as animals such as cats and dogs that she encountered.
I also create abstract paintings that express my daily emotions through color.
I myself am a unique and wonderful being, and by expressing myself through life-size paintings, I hope to convey the message that "you and I are already wonderful just the way we are."
He has exhibited overseas in cities such as Paris, Spain, and New York, and in Japan in Ginza, Kobe, Shiga, etc. He recently appeared in the world's first Art Runway event, walking down a red carpet runway with his artwork, and is working to convey the messages of his artwork.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
It's wonderful to hear how your travel experiences and encounters with people have made you realize the preciousness of existence, and how you want to share that truth with as many people as possible.
The process by which she awakened to her own expression through her reunion with crayons, and her focus on the "individual brilliance" that is embodied in her works, are also very impressive. Let's take a look at some of her works, which make full use of oil pastels.
──Introduction to the work
" Emilie "
Product details page: https://from-artist.com/products/emilie
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Now, let me introduce the first piece right away. The first piece I'd like to introduce is this one, " Emilie "!
What thoughts and themes are contained in this work?
Artist:
This work expresses the scenery of Paris, which I loved and visited some time ago, and the dignified beauty of the women I felt there.
Paris is not just a beautiful city; it has a unique atmosphere, and the way Parisian women understand and value themselves is so beautiful and confident, it left a lasting impression. Their posture and expressions exude a strength that seems to come from within, and I was deeply inspired by them. I hope that through this work you can sense the charm of the Parisian streets that I felt, and the charm of women who have a strong core and are confident in themselves.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
It's so powerful that it draws you in from the very first piece!
The woman's expression is captivating, and though it seems a little fragile, there is a lively gaze there, and you can sense a quiet, powerful presence that seems to gently touch the depths of the viewer's heart. Her eyes combine the "strength of looking at the present" with the "kindness of nostalgia for a time far away," and at a glance you want to know more about her life. It is full of such charm!
Artist:
Thank you! I'm glad that you felt that way about the work.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Are there any points you would like us to pay attention to?
Artist:
The key points to pay attention to here are the woman's eyes and the orange autumn leaves in the background.
From the woman's eyes, I wanted to express that she is a woman with a strong core who is confident and values herself. I hope that you can sense her strength as she carves out her own path in life.
Another key point is the orange autumn leaves in the background. This piece is inspired by Paris in the fall, a city known as the land of passion and love, and the fiery orange color also expresses her hidden love and passion.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
The hair is also captivating, with the softness of the curls, the gloss, and the natural flow... No matter which part you cut out, it's drawn so carefully that it looks like real hair blowing in the wind. There is texture, but perhaps it's drawn with several layers of color?
Artist:
Thank you for paying attention to my hair.
I express the gloss and softness of hair using a unique technique I developed while drawing with oil pastels almost every day since 2019. I believe that the gloss of a woman's hair is an important aspect of beauty, so I spend a fair amount of time layering the paint and sometimes going through a process of trial and error.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
The Eiffel Tower in the background is powerful yet has a fantastical touch. It beautifully captures the romance and artistic scent of the city of Paris, but if there are any sounds or scents that aren't depicted, what do you sense?
Artist:
That's an interesting question!
It's more like a sound, or rather a song. While I was drawing, Edith Piaf's passionate song "La Foule," which means "the crowd" in French, was playing in my head. It's a chanson, but I was feeling the powerful singing voice and the somewhat sad melody while drawing.
And while I was drawing, I felt that women who have confidence in themselves aren't born strong. They have overcome many experiences and have established themselves, and they understand the pain of others, which is why they have hidden strength!
The scent evokes a deep, mellow fragrance like red wine. It evokes the image of a woman passing by on a Parisian street in autumn, exuding a mature air and passion.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Thank you for the very interesting story!
I really sympathized with the thoughts on the image of a strong woman. My imagination expanded, and learning about the background of the work drew me in even more!
So what kind of room would you recommend displaying this piece in?
Artist:
This piece is perfect for those who love to travel or who admire European cityscapes.
In addition, we have depicted her as a presence that gently supports and empowers all women who want to have confidence in themselves and live life as they wish.
So, I hope that by displaying them in your entrance or foyer, you will be inspired to start each day in your own way, or by displaying them on your dresser or closet, they will bring out your inner strength and positive attitude.
" Crescent Moon and Cat "
Work details page: https://from-artist.com/products/mikadukitoneko
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Now let's introduce the second piece! This is " Crescent Moon and Cat "!
So, what thoughts and themes are contained in this work?
Artist:
I also received encouragement from the stray cats and dogs I met on my travels.
I have learned that "existence itself is precious and each person truly shines."
The cat that appears in this work is a stray cat that I came across in a large park that I happened to pass by one day.
He was sitting proudly in the middle of the road in a busy park, with many people around him.
I was really drawn to the way she was gazing straight into the distance. She was dignified and not trying to please anyone.
Being yourself, just being there. I was so moved by this way of being that I created this piece.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
This piece also looks like a page from a picture book! The cat's expression is charming, and you're drawn into its big, sparkling eyes.
Artist:
Thank you. I'm happy.
As I mentioned earlier, I encountered this cat in a busy park during the day. Despite the many people passing by and club members running nearby, he remained completely unfazed, sitting proudly in the middle of the park path, gazing straight ahead and giving the impression of being in his own world.
The cat was so immersed in its own world, gazing off into space, that when I finished drawing it, I noticed its eyes were sparkling.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
The blue to purple gradation in the background, and the pale pink flowers blooming on the green grassland... it gives the feeling of comfort, as if walking through a gentle dream. The soothing colors will lighten the viewer's heart.
Which part did you start drawing first?
Artist:
Thank you. I'm glad you feel that way.
The first thing I started drawing was the outline of the cat.
Actually, from the beginning I didn't intend to draw a background with a blue or purple sky or surrounded by flowers.
But as I continued to draw, I suddenly began to feel that the world this cat sees might be a starry night sky, or a gentle place like a flower field.
I felt as if I was being drawn into the world that the cat was seeing, and the background was born from inspiration.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!
As I listened to his story, I was touched by the flow of events that seemed inevitable born from the coincidences embedded in the background of his work. The way he is drawn into the world he creates is a sensibility that only an artist can have, and it is very impressive.
Are there any points you would like us to pay attention to?
Artist:
The thing I want you to pay attention to is the eyes, just like in my last work. I tried to capture the cat's dignified demeanor and the strength it harbors inside.
At the same time, although the eyes are the main point I want people to pay attention to, I would be happy if people could just stare at the whole thing and sense some kind of story from it.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
This piece is also drawn with a soft touch, and you can tell that love has been put into it. The depiction of the fur in particular is so realistic that you can imagine its fluffy texture, yet it is exquisitely fused with a cute deformation. Which part did you pay the most attention to?
Artist:
I'm very happy to hear that "the deformations are perfectly fused together." In fact, other people have also told me in the past that "the deformations are clever." (laughs)
I personally don't feel like I'm consciously deforming my drawings, but rather I carefully drew the atmosphere and mood of the stray cats I met on my travels, and it just came out naturally. As a result, this style of drawing, which appears "deformed," comes naturally from within me, and I cherish it as an original that is unique to me, precisely because I draw based on the importance of each cat's existence.
Furthermore, what I am particular about is not so much the act of drawing itself, but rather finding encounters and subjects that make me want to draw.
My style is to depict moments that move me while traveling or in everyday life, so in order to have those encounters, I devote the most time and energy to traveling, going out, and honing my sensibilities. I believe that because I am moved, the hearts of those who see my work will also be moved, and that is why I place the utmost importance on "honing my sensibilities."
FROM ARTIST Staff:
I think it's wonderful that you value the encounters and subjects that make you want to draw more than the act of drawing itself.
I think that because you never miss an emotional moment during your travels or in your daily life, and you sublimate that emotion into your work, your work resonates so directly with the hearts of those who see it. It is precisely because your expression is based on your own emotions that your work is so warm and has a core.
What was the moment when you felt that the final "stroke" was complete?
Artist:
I always value the feeling of being moved, so rather than depicting every last detail, I feel that leaving just enough space for natural expression helps to convey the "atmosphere" of the work and serves as an opportunity to "expand the imagination" of those who view it.
So for me, the moment it's complete is when I feel like I shouldn't add any more.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
I see. So rather than depicting the fine details, you place more importance on the emotional sensation and atmosphere.
The feeling of completion when you think, "I don't need to add any more," is very natural and beautiful.
So what kind of room would you recommend displaying this piece in?
Artist:
This piece is small, about the size of a postcard, so it can be easily displayed in a small space.
So I would be happy if you would place it in your favorite space, such as on your bedside table, shelf, or desk in your bedroom.
I would be happy if every time you see it, you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be transported to the world of the story.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
It's very attractive that it blends seamlessly into any space.
If you place it in your bedroom or near your desk, it will definitely provide you with a relaxing moment to unwind in your busy daily life!
"In full bloom"
Product details page: https://from-artist.com/products/in-full-bloow
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Now let's introduce the third piece! This is "In full bloom"!
So, what thoughts and themes are contained in this work?
Artist:
Yes, this is not limited to this work, but my abstract paintings all have a consistent thought. As I mentioned earlier, while traveling to about 20 countries, I have come to realize that "everyone is a unique and precious being."
The desire to convey this feeling through my work is the starting point of my creative work, even in abstract paintings.
For this piece, one day the image of the color pink came to me, and then an image of flowers came to mind, so I started to paint. As I continued to paint, I realized that although each flower is different in color and shape, it is these differences that make them unique, and that they are all truly cute and lovely. The message I wanted to convey is that "everyone's differences are what make them so attractive, and that each individual existence shines in itself."
FROM ARTIST Staff:
This piece also exudes kindness.
The whole painting has a soft, fluffy feel, as if you are enveloped in spring light. The depiction of the flowers feels abstract and poetic.
By not drawing the shapes too clearly, the imagination is stimulated.
Artist:
I always paint as my inspiration leads me, so I think there is a certain air of freedom in the finished work.
That's why I would be happy if this piece can expand the imagination of those who see it, and give them new ideas and inspiration.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
There is a rhythm in the way the colors overlap, and like music, bright brightness and quiet serenity appear alternately. Please tell us if you have any preferences for the type of paper or oil pastels.
Artist:
I use watercolor paper, which has just the right amount of texture, and I like how it allows me to beautifully express the touches and overlapping colors of oil pastels.
The oil pastels we use are made in Japan as well as by several domestic and international manufacturers, including those from France and Switzerland.
For portraits and animal paintings, I mainly use oil pastels made overseas, which have good color development and hold color well, but for abstract paintings, I tend to mainly use domestically made oil pastels, which are a little harder to apply color to.
This is because although domestically produced paints tend to be difficult to apply color to, they also create a sense of transparency when spread, giving a sense of transparency and softness that I feel is very compatible with abstract expression. I choose art materials for each piece, taking into consideration their characteristics.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Are there any points you would like us to pay attention to?
Artist:
I mentioned earlier that I make use of transparency in my paintings, but not all of this work is light and airy. For example, the green leaves and the butterfly-like parts are painted with very thick layers of color to create texture.
I also used French metallic gold and white pearl oil pastels in some parts, and created a piece that looks different depending on how the light hits it. I also wanted to have fun layering textures and sparkles while moving my hands freely and as I thought of them.
I hope you will also pay attention to these overlaps and sparkles.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
It was very interesting to hear such detailed information about the production process. Not only is the transparency enhanced, but the thickness of the leaves and butterflies also contributes to the rich expression and three-dimensionality of the work.
It also seems like you're not afraid to embrace the "beauty of chance." The deliberately rough brushstrokes speak to freedom and a rich sensibility, but how did you feel when you finished?
Artist:
Because it was pink and floral, even though it was my own work, I thought, "Wow! It's so cute!" (laughs).
With abstract paintings, I basically paint freely according to my inspiration, but as I paint, the painting sometimes deviates from my original image, so I have to try and try again many times, and sometimes it gets so out of hand that I feel like tearing it up.
This piece also ended up being far from my original image, but as I continued to draw it, I felt that it ended up being even cuter than I had originally imagined, and I was very satisfied when it was finished.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
As you draw freely, your original image may change, but it's wonderful to discover new charms and unexpected cuteness in the process.
What specifically have you changed, and what are the parts that are different from your initial image?
Artist:
The only changes I made along the way were the arrangement of the flowers and the balance of the colors.
I basically applied the colors according to my inspiration, but when I looked at the flowers from a distance I wasn't satisfied with the balance of their colors and sizes, so I went through a process of trial and error, repainting and redrawing them several times while checking the balance and color placement.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
What part was the most fun to draw?
Artist:
The most enjoyable part was when, just before I was about to finish, the image of a butterfly flying suddenly came to me and I added it in. I was so excited at that moment, it felt like the piece had come to life.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Did you listen to any music or look at any scenery while you were painting?
Artist:
When I draw, I want to concentrate solely on the drawing, so I only have oil pastels on my desk when I draw.
As for music when I draw, I have been learning piano since I was a child, so I often have piano music playing in my room or in my head.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
It's wonderful that you've created an environment that allows you to concentrate. By keeping only oil pastels on your desk and eliminating unnecessary items, you seem to be able to spend more time focusing on your work.
Also, it's wonderful how piano music naturally flows into the background when she draws, influenced by her experience playing the piano since childhood. I imagine that the combination of music and art opens up a richer world of creativity.
So what kind of room would you recommend displaying this piece in?
Artist:
The soft pink piece is recommended for display in a place where you can see it every day, such as your bedroom, powder room, or around your dressing table, where it will bring out your femininity and increase your sense of self-care.
I hope that you can feel the message every day that each of us is a wonderful person full of charm.
It is a small B5 size piece, so it is recommended for those who are displaying abstract paintings for the first time.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
By displaying it in a space that is important to you, you will likely feel positive every time you look at it.
The compact B5 size makes it perfect for those who are displaying abstract paintings for the first time, and its casual enjoyment is what makes it so appealing.
──Finally
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Today we introduced many wonderful works by Yukari Blair!
Have you found any works you like?
Finally, I would like to ask Yukari Blair about her future activities and give a message to everyone watching today.
Artist:
I was very happy to be able to speak to you all in person today!
All of them are one-of-a-kind original artworks.
If there is a work that you are interested in or that has touched your heart,
I hope you will cherish this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
FROM ARTIST Staff:
Thank you! Yukari Blair, who we introduced this time, has other fascinating works featured on FROM ARTIST. Please be sure to check them out as well!
Well, see you next time! Thank you!