The panoramic beauty of her surroundings and feelings of communication with the native animals inspired her to paint the things around her. As a teenager she also fell in love "with the energy and giddiness" of American pop-culture through her exposure to rock n' roll, film, and fashion. By the age of 16, she had debuted into the art world with a comic-book (Manga) feature.

After graduating from Art school, she continued to paint, but struggled with truly expressing herself in her art. Fortunately, this frustration took a dramatic turn during a visit to Seattle where Yumi painted a picture at the request of an American friend. In comic-book style, two girls sit entwined atop a mushroom, Japanese symbols and American pop art styles melding together in lively color and bold lines. Yumi now realized her art persona - sagacious Japanese tradition in synergy with the jubilant irreverence of American pop culture.

What does she see for her future as an artist? "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", she says with a smile. When we look at her work, it's obviously just a matter of time.

story by Nobunaga Estrada - photo by Shusaku Nagahama

Resume

May 2003 Kantor Gallery - solo show Apr 2003 Roq La Rue Gallery - sold out in one day

Jan 2003 Roq La Rue Gallery - a group show "Gods and Monsters" - sold out

Sep 2002 Roq La Rue Gallery - sold out opening night

Aug 2002 Joined the "What Is Art?" Collective (membership is by invitation only)

May 2002 Roq La Rue Gallery - a group show "Draw" - sold out opening night

Apr 2002 BEMIS group show in Seattle - sold out

Mar 2002 Roq La Rue Gallery - sold out first week Jul 2002 cover of "The Stranger"

Jul 2001 Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle - debut show in the U.S.

2001 Shinoro Art Project - placing art in typical life spaces throughout Sapporo

Sep 2000 cover of gaming magazine "New Generation" Mar 1999 cover of "New Generation"

1989-1997 Illustration and artwork for Sapporo-area rock show promotions

1995 Illustration work for Rotten Orange Records

Sep 1991 MANGA "Power" featured in "The Marguerite"

1990 Graduation from BISEN Art School, Sapporo Japan. Coveted art exhibition prize-winner.

Mar 1988 MANGA "BONNETTO NI NEKO" (a cat on the hood) featured in "The Marguerite"

Apr 1986 Debut MANGA "Merry Christmas Children" featured in the very popular MANGA "The Marguerite".
Prize as a "a fine, commendable work for a new face". (She was just 16 years old.)