YabYum Seven: Kaori Takamura

Kaori Takamura 01

“Between Shapes 0517″, Acrylic on Wood Panel, Silkscreen, Stitching, Lasercut, 40″ H x 48” W

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Kaori Takamura. I am a visual artist. I am originally from Tokyo, Japan and now I live and work in Carefree, AZ.

I was a graphic designer for many years specializing in branding and packaging design. During my practice, I created many graphic symbols for brands or corporations and this experience heavily influenced what I am doing now.

My work is focused on graphical media painting combined with a hint of hand crafting. I paint on canvas or cut out pieces of wood either by hand or by laser then I stitch them together. I sketch on the computer working on technical drawings prior to painting and I believe that this process is a bit different from how most traditional painters work.

Kaori Takamura 04

Garakuta boxes, mixed media

How did you get your start?

I took a painting class at community college about 15 years ago just to learn the basics of painting since my education was mainly based on the graphic arts.

After I painted my first piece in this traditional oil painting class, I took it home and was suddenly compelled to apply stitching on the painted canvas with my sewing machine and brought it back to class. I felt that stitching could also be a part of my expression just like brush strokes.

Everyone was shocked about what I did but my instructor back then suggested that I take art seriously as my career. So I did and I have never looked back.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by artisans as a metaphor and I am interested in how artisans are influencing our culture by sending messages as a symbols in our everyday lifestyle.

Also, in my artwork I find influences from some of the Japanese graphic designers such as Ikko Tanaka who created Japanese modernism principles in the 80s. I am still a fan of their minimalistic yet bold approach.

Kaori Takamura 02

“Between Shapes0717″, Acrylic on Wood Panel, Laser cut, Silkscreen, Stitching, 45″ H x 43” W

What do you like about AZ?

I like the winter in Arizona. In terms of the art scene, I like the size of Arizona art community.

Where can we see you(r) work?

I am currently showing some of my paintings at Phoenix International Airport Terminal 4 until October 8th 2017. It is a curated group exhibition called Drawn to Pattern.

Locally in Arizona, I am represented by Gebert Contemporary. I am going to have my solo exhibition in February 2018.

Kaori Takamura 03

“Dots0715”, Acrylic on Canvas, Silk Screen, Machine and hand stitching

What would you like to accomplish before you die?

I always feel a slight gap between what I’d like to express through my art ( I guess you would call it “vision”) and what I am actually creating. I think this is because I am still in the process of searching it out and I’m trying to figure out how to achieve it. I believe that this is a dilemma that all artist’s have to go through.

Before I die, it will be wonderful if I can create things that match exactly what I visualize in my mind to my full satisfaction.

What is your mantra?

In terms of my art, my mantra is,

“Stitch-by-stitch I will express the tangled thoughts of our everyday lives.”

~

For more Kaori Takamura, visit her website.

Kaori Takamura 05

“Between Shapes0717 (Detail)”

Kaori Takamura 06

Untitled, Installation at DC Ranch, Scottsdale AZ