001: Yumiko Furukawa

Born in 1975 in Fukushima, Japan, Yumiko Furukawa is a contemporary artist who now resides in Guam. She creates art using a variety of mediums and mixing contradictory qualities, trying to connect to art history through them. The works she has made serve to interpret narratives into visual arts. In the past, she used her reading experiences as inspiration, but now, she pulls inspiration from her past and daily life. Furthermore, her artworks have been greatly influenced by her birthplace and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. She has created most of her works in studios in Guam and in Tokyo with no particular audience in mind.

Dr. Furukawa chose the path of an artist because she felt that it was the only way to live. She idolizes, or rather respects, the artists On Kawara and Yutaka Sone and believes that true artists create many artworks. She enjoys viewing the works of all but likes in particular those of students. She advises aspiring artists to be honest with themselves and work as hard as they can. She defines art as, “the universal spirit of goodness that remains the same in life and in death.” She wants to create more art, but she often struggles to find time to do so. However, she believes that her works exist in parallel and are always independent of any time frame.

She enjoys incorporating large oil paintings into her works and loves Guam’s beautiful oceans.

Thankfully, we had an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Furukawa despite her busy schedule and interview her one-on-one. To read her answers, continue reading below.

Yumiko Furakawa
**Titanic Daisy**
2001
Fiberglass reinforced plastics, polyurethane paint, iron, wood
206×196×131 cm

Where do you get your inspiration?

I used to get inspiration from my reading experience, but now from my life so far and my daily life.

How has your ethnicity/race affected the type of art you make?

I am an artist from Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. The history of my birthplace and the earthquake (3/11) have greatly influenced my work.

Why do you choose to work mostly in this medium?

It relates to art history which I would like to connect with.

What do you struggle with the most when making art?

Securing time to create artwork. Time management.

How did your high school/college years affect the work you do today?

I spent two years as a student who was not able to get into school, and I entered the most difficult University of the Arts in Japan. After entering university, I continued to pursue a degree in the field of art. These challenges are very much alive today.

How do you deal with art block?

What is an art block? If it represents an obstacle, I can honestly say that there is currently no obstacle to my work. However, I am troubled by social things that take up a lot of my time.

Where do you usually make your artwork?

Studios in Guam and Tokyo.

Why did you choose to become an artist?

It was the only way to live.

Is your art always geared towards a specific audience?

No, it isn’t.

Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?

This is a very difficult question. But I can say that it is important to be honest with yourself. And work harder than anyone else.

What do you like incorporating most into your work?

Large oil painting.

Do you usually work while listening to music?

No, I don’t.

How would you define art?

The universal spirit of goodness that remains the same in life and in death.

Who do you idolize?

As artists, I respect On Kawara, Yutaka Sone.

Do you prefer creating/looking at realistic or surreal art?

I like to watch basically any kind of work. I like to see students work the best.

Describe what you do.

Please see my home page. It may be a quick reference for you. I sometimes don't know what I'm doing.

Take us through your process for making art.

Some processes are too complex, others are very simple.

What role do artists have in society?

Its role is to live.

What’s your favorite place in Guam?

In the sea.

What characteristics do you think all artists share?

There are many different kinds of artists. However, the ones I recognize as true artists always do a lot of work.

How has your artwork evolved over time?

My work always looks different from evolution. It is parallel, just the same results, past and future, side by side.

What is your goal?

It is to create more work.

You can learn more about her and see some of her artwork on her website.

002: Jill Benavente