"I'm alive, but am I really alive?"
For a long time, I was hesitant and always felt depleted.
I was always asking myself, "What do I want to do?"
Even so, I couldn't find the answer and spent lonely days.
It was during that time that I discovered the mandala course, and I became absorbed in drawing mandalas without end.
The more I painted, the clearer I felt inside myself.
Then, when people saw my work, they were moved to tears, and for the first time, I realized that my work was actually useful to someone.
It was a truly wonderful event.
If I can deliver something through this art to people who share my feelings, that would be a great blessing.
Activity Achievements
July 2022
Mandala Art Exhibition - THE
World of Mandala-
December: Amagasaki Teramachi Town Lights
November: Exhibition (Kokonoki, Takasago City) February: Exhibition (Event Space Minna no Mori, Takasago City)
August: Mandala Art Exhibition - THE
World of Mandara-
February 2024
National Selected Japanese Art Artists Exhibition
Winner of the Jury Special Prize
June: Art Cross
Art Fair in Kyoto
August: 32nd Exhibition: International Peace Art Store
October: [32nd International Peace Art Exhibition in Santiago de Compostela
November: 4th Kiyomizudera Art Exhibition
December: 3rd Beauty Crystallization
-Chrismas Art展
2025
INTERVIEWInterview
yuko
Please briefly introduce yourself.
Mandala artist'syukoThat's right.We are based in Hyogo Prefecture.
The theme of my work is the cycle of life and inner light. I depict each point with heartfelt care, feeling the cycles of nature, connections with people, and the invisible yet undeniable connections.
For me, drawing is also a time to face myself and to calm my mind. Through these works, I create with the hope that viewers will be reminded of even a little of the light and warmth within themselves. While continuing to exhibit and present works at exhibitions, I was fortunate to receive the Special Jury Award. Using these experiences as inspiration, I want to continue my activities while valuing my own expression.
Are there any exhibitions or events that left a strong impression on you?
Especially memorableThe work isJudging by 'Breadth'Received the Special Staff AwardThat was the case. oneselfRising from withinTrusting your sensesKeep drawingcameIt was a workSo, that is the recognitionI am very happy to have been encouraged, and it is a great encouragement.That's how it turned out.
Also, at the exhibition,is from those who have seen the work.Calming the mind and feeling energizedVoices saying they received itPlease put it onThese are the findings.Through the work, peopleConnecting with and feelingThe moment when that feeling comes throughNo matter how many times I experience it,It's special, and each timeI've been drawing for a long time.feeling gladIt is available. Of course, I was also happy to receive an awardBut more than that, the moment when I feel that the work has reached someone's heart is what matters most to me.It has become a precious treasure.
"Spread"
Special Jury Award
Author: yuko
What inspired you to start your career as a painter?
Drawing became a time to reflect on myself, which was the turning point. In the past, I struggled to honestly express my feelings and sometimes blamed others around me or the environment. But as I gained various experiences in life, I gradually began to face myself.
When drawing a mandala, focusing on each point helps your heart become calmer, allowing you to see your true feelings and true feelings. For me, painting is not only a means of expression but also an important time to organize and accept myself. At first, I painted for myself, but after seeing my work, I began receiving warm words from others, and I developed a desire to share this joy with others. That passion continues to drive me to continue my artistic activities today.
What kind of feelings do you put into your work?
My work is filled with the cycle of life and my desire for inner light. I feel that the events and encounters that happen in life, even if they seem separate at first glance, are all connected as meaningful points.
I cherish the words dot and heaven. Each dot overlaps, connects, and eventually expands into a larger world. This flow is expressed in a mandala. I believe that connections with people and the circulation of nature are invisible yet certainly existing connections. I want to continue expressing the beauty and preciousness of these connections in my works. I hope that by viewing the works, you will recall the light and potential within yourself and feel even a little lighter in your heart.
"Light of Circulating Life"
Author: yuko
Is there a work you've ever worked on that feels most 'like yourself!'? Please tell us.
The work that feels most authentic to me is 'Self-Acceptance.' In the past, I found it difficult to accept my own weaknesses and flaws. However, as I spent time facing myself through various experiences, I gradually came to realize that I am not only my good parts but also my imperfections.
This work was born out of that process. The central motif embodies the wish for harmony and harmony, where pairs like yin and yang and light and shadow coexist. Everyone has doubts and conflicts, but when we accept them instead of denying them, I believe our true selves and inner light can be revealed.
'Self-Acceptance' is the work where my own journey and feelings are most honestly expressed today. I hope this work will also give you a chance to accept yourself a little gentlerly.
"Self-acceptance"
Author: yuko
Could you share your thoughts on creating your future works?
From now on, I want to continue creating while carefully facing my own heart. Through creating my works, I have learned the importance of accepting my own weaknesses and doubts. And that experience has led to my current work.
I believe that everything that happens in life, whether good or bad, is an important factor in shaping who you are today. Those points connect, eventually becoming a great light and spreading out. I want to keep capturing those feelings from now on. Through my work, I hope that those who see it will have even a little chance to believe in themselves and take time to remember the light within themselves.
I myself am still in the process of growing, but I want to continue carefully creating works that express gratitude for the cycle of life and connections.
"Enlarge"
Author: yuko
Yuko continues to draw mandalas with the themes of the cycle of life and inner light, carefully facing herself. Just as the dots connect and transform into a vast expansiveness, anticipation grows for what kind of light the future works will radiate.