I heard a little rumor that there is a "cute illustration exhibition" on the 4th floor of Tenmaya Kurashiki Store, about a 2-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station, so I went to check it out.
This is the Fujiwakamari Illustration Exhibition held from August 24 to September 13, 2022.
As soon as I stepped into the venue, a soft atmosphere of pastel colors enveloped me.
I enjoyed viewing the works with excitement.
Introduction of Works
Here are some of the works that stood out and had a strong presence in the venue.
"Mamakari," "Hoshi Tako," "Seto-Ohashi Bridge"
This piece is prominently displayed at the front of the venue, and the amusing octopus catches the eye.
It seems this illustration was created to promote tourism in Okayama.
What kind of image would someone who doesn't know much about Okayama get from this work?
This piece is also available as a postcard and can be purchased at the Kibi Service Area (upbound) on the Sanyo Expressway.
Laundry
I couldn't help but smile at the cute items hanging out to dry!
There are also masks hanging, reminiscent of the current times (the COVID-19 pandemic).
Doing tedious housework might become enjoyable with the image from this illustration.
Love for Movies
After watching my favorite movie, this piece is introduced as a work that recreates the movie world.
Even famous movies take on a gentle impression when viewed through Fujiwaka's taste.
Who is the Artist Fujiwakamari?
Fujiwakamari is an illustrator active mainly in Okayama City and Kurashiki City.
At the entrance of the venue, Fujiwaka introduces herself as follows.
I am active in illustration and design in Okayama City.
In my twenties, I created digital illustrations using computer coloring for work, and for my private hobby, I painted illustrations on canvas with acrylic gouache.
After that, I had a period dedicated to raising my two children and caring for my parents, so I had almost no time for my own creative work or hobbies in my thirties.
During that time, I thought, "I want to draw illustrations again, even though I have no time," and I was shocked by the illustration work my child made in the living room.
They simply cut origami and drew "two dots" with a marker, yet they created a cute face.
The illustration my child finished in just a few minutes had so much character that I thought, "Maybe I can do this now that I have no time..."
I started creating while trying out "the world of illustrations made by cutting and pasting paper."
The time I spent in my thirties, dedicated to child-rearing and caregiving, has ended, but I continue to pursue the worldview and expression methods of illustrations made by cutting and pasting more meticulously.
Reading this straightforwardly expressed text makes me even more interested in Fujiwaka and her worldview.
Interview with Fujiwakamari
Fujiwaka has a gentle impression.
She shared her worldview with me.
What is your illustration technique?
Fujiwaka (no honorifics)
All the works in this exhibition are collage-style cut-and-paste illustrations.
After cutting the paper, I paint it with acrylic gouache and paste the parts together.
What are the enjoyable and happy aspects of your activities?
Fujiwaka
Hobby drawing allows for the joy of free expression.
When I create commissioned works, I think about the feedback and whether it will lead to sales for the company, so the type of enjoyment is different.
There is pressure, but that can also be fun.
The works for Okayama tourism were quite enjoyable to create freely.
They are also available as postcards.
I wondered if postcards would sell these days, but they have been reordered.
I am also happy that they can be chosen as souvenirs.
What changes have you felt since resuming your activities after childcare and caregiving settled down?
Fujiwaka
There was a time when I felt it was a waste to even spend time playing with friends because I had a period when I couldn't work.
I wanted to draw so much that I even turned down invitations for tea and lunch.
The backlash from not being able to draw was so strong that I spent time drawing instead of hanging out with friends.
But then I realized.
The friends who listened to me when I was struggling with childcare and stressed from caregiving were important, and not interacting with friends felt lonely.
By meeting people and enjoying myself, and trying to get outside as much as possible, my work's world expanded, and unexpected job opportunities arose.
The connections with people are significant.
What kind of works do you want to create in the future?
Fujiwaka
I want to continue creating works that people can enjoy and that can bring a sense of calm.
I don't like works that don't make me feel happy when I see them.
For example, Munch's The Scream (laughs).
I hope to help energize people and towns through illustrations that promote tourism in the prefecture and local businesses.
I also sell some of the illustrations I have drawn as postcards, choosing designs that make people want to send them.
Since I often send thank-you notes, I want to create more works that make people feel warm when they see them, so they can convey their feelings with words.
Even though we can contact each other instantly via email or LINE, sending a postcard feels more thoughtful, and I think that's nice.
Conclusion
I felt a bit lighter after returning from Fujiwakamari's exhibition.
Expanding connections with people, Fujiwakamari is also expanding her own world of works.
I look forward to her future activities.
When you want to feel energized or gentle, why not be healed by Fujiwakamari's works?
Data of Fujiwakamari Illustration Exhibition
| Name | Fujiwakamari Illustration Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Dates | From August 24 to September 13, 2022 |
| Location | 1-7-1 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Website | life & illustration | Fujiwakamari portfolio & days |
