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Artist おかざき ゆみこ YUMIKO OKAZAKI

おかざき ゆみこ

INTERVIEWInterview

Yumiko Okazaki

Self-introduction

I'm Yumiko Okazaki, an acrylic artist. In addition to copperplate and gel prints, I also hold Estonian felt workshops irregularly.
On the first and third Saturdays of every month from 2 PM, he serves as MC on FM SALUS, introducing his own works on the program.

 

Born in Tokyo, raised by free-spirited parents, and studied three-dimensional design at Tama Art University. Starting as an editor for a design information magazine, he worked in various creative roles such as fashion design, textile design, web production, illustration production, and silver accessory production before pursuing a career as a painter. He continued to draw during his time as a designer, and in 2000, digital illustrations were continuously featured on the cover of corporate newsletters.

 

While teaching at a vocational school, I hit it off with an Estonian woman who was visiting to observe fashion education, which led to my visit there. I became a member of the Estonian Fashion Artists Union, and from 2009 to 2016, I visited Estonia almost every summer, creating and exhibiting works featuring croquis and traditional Estonian patterns painted on Japanese paper with facial pigments. This experience has become the foundation of my current work.

 

Three years ago, during summer school at NY State University, I resolved to live as a painter, declaring, "I have art!" and immediately declared myself a painter after returning to Japan. That autumn, a painting depicting the carriage road sold out, further fueling my passion for creation, and the following year, I was selected for a top spot at the Platinum Art Association. Since then, I have actively exhibited solo shows at the Ginza Okuno Building, public and Tokyo exhibitions, and group shows, and have been selected for the Cadaqués International Mini Print Exhibition, building a solid track record. This year, my work has been featured in art magazines, and in February next year, I have decided to exhibit at the NUOVO GIAPPONISMO2027 in Florence and have also acquired it locally. I try to paint things that move me before they lose their freshness.

At the radio booth

Memorable exhibitions and events

I don't remember clearly if it was when I was an art student or after graduation, but when Andy Warhol's exhibition first came to Japan, I was deeply shocked. It was an exhibition that changed the concept of art and taught us how approachable it was.

The most memorable moment from my own exhibition was about two months after my declaration as a painter, when a painting depicting "Carriage Road," one of my eternal themes, sold. I don't paint to sell it, but when it sells, I feel very happy.

In Estonia, he alternated modeling to find hints for his creation.

Motivation for Starting His Career as a Painter

It all started when I entered the era of living to 100 years and decided to focus on what I love after my 70s. I chose the path of a painter to confirm and practice my identity.

The Passion Behind the Work

I strive to depict things, events, and people that move my heart in daily life before their freshness fades. I am also skilled at creating works that contain fantasy that does not exist in reality.

A work that feels most authentic to myself

Currently, I am creating a piece called "The Strange Orchard" for the Tokyo Exhibition. These are two large-scale 30-s-sized works using a unique technique called the "Double Fantasy Technique," which I have named and researched. Spaced spaces over the canvas paintings, transparent resin plates are layered, and the painting is also drawn from the inside. This creates depth and allows us to express the mystery created by shadows.

Double Fantasy Technique

Looking Ahead to Future Works

Three years have passed since my declaration as a painter, and several achievements have become apparent, including being selected for the Platinum Art Association, being selected for the Cadaques International Mini Print Exhibition, exhibiting at the Tokyo Open Exhibition in Tokyo, and exhibiting and collecting at NUOVO GIAPPONISMO2027 in Florence. Including my activities in Estonia since 2009, I feel that my efforts so far have been recognized, and I am even more motivated.

I heard that I was chosen for this project as a result of a team led by an Italian critic researching Japanese artists, and I feel like the door to becoming a global artist has opened. Since last year, I have also encountered new visitors at the "First Decoration Summoning Exhibition" at Yokohama Nigiwaiza, which has become a tradition, and I am looking forward to it. I always believe that my works reflect my own sensibility, so I not only stay in my studio but also constantly keep my antenna on and strive to input, expressing that as wonderful output.

Works scheduled for on-site collection

Based on her artistic activities in Estonia, Yumiko Okazaki has honed her unique double fantasy techniques and other expressions, while repeatedly presenting both domestically and internationally. In February next year, she is set to exhibit at NUOVO GIAPPONISMO2027 in Florence and secure a local collection, steadily expanding her global activities. Her commitment to capturing moments that move hearts in everyday life remains unchanged, and expectations are high for the further expansion of her future works and activities.

EXHIBITIONS Exhibition Information

2026.04.29 - 2026.05.31

Yumiko Okazaki's Solo Exhibition

This is a solo exhibition where you can experience the works presented at the Nihonbashi Art Web solo exhibition in April

Take a closer look at the scenery of the city of Bashamichi, which I love

 

In addition to the flower shop in Bashamichi, a total of 20 items such as vegetable paintings, copperplate prints, and gel prints are on display

 

The venue is Yokohama Noge's famous tea shop Shinri

 

Please enjoy the sharpness of the chakichaki mom and the sweetness of the handmade red bean paste

 

Please spend a relaxing and happy time surrounded by my paintings.

 

In addition, this time, in the April 27 issue of BM Art Forest, a picture of Yokohama is published in the magazine.

 

Please take a look

 

I would be very happy if you could leave your name and message in the name book

2026.06.14 - 2026.06.14

Plum Culture Club June Workshop [Fun Mizuhiki to Brighten Up Your Life]

There is a Plum Culture Club near the Ikegami Plum Orchard

Why not enjoy some handmade time in a quiet, calm classroom?

In early June, the event is titled 'Fun Mizuhiki That Brightens Your Life,' which is the fundamental art of mizuhiki art.

Let's thoroughly study the Awaji knot!!

Enjoy a fun time while moving your fingers and touching beautiful colors!

The instructor is Yumiko Okazaki

Fun and Step-by-Step Tutorials

 

Limited to the first 6 people!!

Please apply via [Inquiry ✉]

If you cancel without receiving any notice after applying, you will be charged the full amount.

If you need to cancel after applying, please be sure to contact us

2026.06.28 - 2026.06.28

Let's make a watermelon pouch with washed felt.

Why not make a cute watermelon pouch using Estonia's traditional washing and shaping method?

When you scrub the fluffy wool with hot water and alkali, it's amazing!! It becomes a sturdy watermelon-shaped piece.

It's as fun and exciting as making pasta or crafting with viscosity.

2026.04.01 - 2026.04.15

Yumiko Okazaki Web Solo Exhibition Bashamichi Fantasia and the Secret Inhabitants

I have loved drawing since I was a child, and I have been involved in design work for many years after going to art school, but now I am freely drawing the cityscape of Yokohama, which I love.
 
The theme of this solo exhibition is "Fantastic Everyday Life", which mixes my fantasies with the familiar scenery of Bashamichi.
Instead of the real thing, I created a story that mixed reality and dreams, such as flying a spaceship in the sky and having a cat take care of the store.
The texture is like an oil painting with layers of acrylic paint, and there is also a playful touch such as a small UFO flying.
If you find one, let us know!
 
In addition, the "Wriggling" series, an abstract painting of vegetables born from the creature-like movement of paint in the process of production, was also exhibited, expressing the fun of changing the screen.
I hope you can enjoy the little extraordinary and dreamy sensations hidden in everyday life in the colorful colors.