Fumiyo Yoshikawa
Artist Statement
Two Zen sayings fascinate me and inspire my work: “All creatures in the universe come from the same root as myself,” and “All things and I are of one substance.” Whenever I am painting and drawing, I ponder the birth and passing of life of all creatures in the universe, their coexistence, the natural world in which they live, and the infinite cycle of life energy.
I sketch things almost everyday, making quick drawings of things around me that I find inspiring. I use a brush and ink or a pen or pencil, and occasionally watercolor. I draw from life, and sometimes when I am at my studio, I draw from memory or from mere impressions. Sometimes I draw in detail so that I can understand and remember the underlying structure and appearance of my subjects. Sometimes I use photos as references.
The daily practice of sketching helps me capture the essence of my subjects, giving me a foundation from which I can paint either in the abstract from impressions formed in my mind, or representationally. The works that I have selected for this show are representational, drawn from life, from memory, and from photos.
- Fumiyo Yoshikawa
Healing Waves #1 Sketch from a photo graphite and watercolor From a photo from my trip in North California, I tried to recreate the healing power of the waves that I felt.
Healing Waves #5 sketch from a photo graphite and watercolor From a photo from my trip in North California, I tried to recreate the healing power of the waves that I felt.
Healing Waves #7 Sketch from a photo graphite and watercolor From a photo from my trip in North California, I tried to recreate the healing power of the waves that I felt.
A Tree, Sketch on site Pen and Sumi-ink One of the sketches from daily practices.
Trees Sumi sketch from imagination with photo references sumi-ink From a memory form my trecking in the forest, I tried to recreate the heling power of the trees and the atomosphere. I use some photos as refrences.
The Hill Sumi sketch from memory I walk up to the Albany Hill often in the morning. This is one of the sean I saw and add my imagination from my memory
Madoka Sketch from a photo, graphite From one of the photos of my daughter, Madoka, I chose one that reminded me of her impressive change or growth.
Madoka Sketch on site color graphite and watercolor A quick skech of the moment which touched my heart.
Madoka Skech on site sumi-ink , graphite and watercolor One of the skeches of the moment which touched my heart.
The Cat Sketch on site graphite and watercolor A longer sketch when she was sleeping.
Mikaeri Cat Sketch from a photo Sumi-ink From a photo of my cat that was found in an old album.
Relaxed Cat Sketch from imagination Sumi-ink Just a Sumi sketch of imaginaiton
Yuki Skech on site pen and watercolor Our gineapig in the cage. Before skeching it, I observed them daily and made so many quick sketches.
Yuki and Choco Skech on site Graphite and watercolor Our Gineapig in the cage. before sketching it, I observed them daily and made so many quick sketches.
Yuki Sketch on site Sumi-ink Our Gineapig in the cage. Before sketching it, I observed them daily and made so many quick sketches.
Honey Dog Sketch on site Graphite and watercolor A longer sketch when she was sleeping.
Honey Dog Sketch on site Sumi-ink a quick sketch when she was sleeping.
Honey Dog Skech on site Sumi-ink and watercolor A quick sketch when she was pausing a while.
Peonies Sketch on site Graphite and watercolor A detail sketch of flowers in a vase
Wisterias Sketch on site Pen and watercolor One of the sketches from daily practices.
Camellias Sketch from memory Sumi-ink and watercolor A quick Sumie Sketch form the memory of what I saw while walking in the neighborhood
Lavenders Sketch from memory Sumi-ink and watercolor A quick Sumie sketch form the memory of what I saw while walking in the neighbor.
Dandelions Sketch from memory Sumi-ink and watercolor A quick Sumie sketch form the memory of what I saw while walking in the neighbor.
Poppies and a Bee Sketch from memory Sumi-ink and watercolor A quick Sumie sketch form the memory of what I saw while walking in the neighbor.