Yayoi Kusama - *Studio Habit of Mind: Understand the Art World

"I convert the energy of my life into dots of the universe"

 Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is a painter, collage artist, sculptor, performance artist and installation artist.

Yayoi Kusama is known for her repetitive polka dots and mirrored rooms that create the illusion of infinite space. 

 In addition to polka dots, pumpkins have been a source of inspiration from her childhood.

Her dream as a child was to become a painter when she grew up.  From the age of 10 she started painting many pictures.  Her mother didn't want her to be an artist, she wanted Yayoi to learn manners and marry a husband.

She moved to New York to escape.  With a suitcase full of drawings she arrived in New York to pursue her career as an artist. In NYC she devoted herself to her art. She showed her art work next to Andy Warhol and Pop Artists.  Eventually she moved back to Japan.

As a child she began to seeing polka dots everywhere she went.  Kusama has dealt with mental health challenges since a young age which cause her to have visions or hallucinations (see things that actually aren't there), visions that have inspired much of her work.  She says, "I have a flood of ideas in my mind. I just follow my vision."

Art is a healing process for her, she describes her work as therapy

She paints everyday.  "My art was made to change people's minds, I hope it can make the world more peaceful."
Yayoi Kusama has had a successful 65-year-long art career but recently her popularity has skyrocketed and has become a social media sensation. 

Based on museum attendance the 88-year-old “Polka Dot Princess”was named the world’s most popular artist. She hands-down beat out all of her male and female competition.

People have been flocking to her Infinity Mirrors exhibit at major art museums across the country.  Museum goers wait in long lines for this sold out exhibition.

With mirrors, Kusama creates the Illusion of infinite space.  What is an Illusion?

Let's take a virtual look inside several of the Infinity Mirror rooms.

We will be creating an infinity space.  An important part of Kusama's work is for viewers to interact with the art. We will use stickers as done in the Obliteration Room and a mirror like surface.  You may add stickers or dots with sharpie.  As with any museum visit there are expectations that must be followed.

"More and more, I think about the role of the arts, and as an artist, I think that it's important that I share the love and peace." - Kusama

As you think about your art, What do you want to share in your work?

Has art ever helped you express an idea or emotion when you were feeling a certain way?
As an artist, do you want the viewer to interact with your art?

Sources:
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmFBlE4cg3w&disable_polymer=true
*https://observer.com/2015/04/the-stunning-story-of-the-woman-who-is-the-worlds-most-popular-artist/

Illustrator Christian Robinson (Studio Habit - Understanding the Arts World)

Illustrator Christian Robinson

Raise your hand if you have seen these books before?

 

These books are in our Meramec library!  You may have even checked one out or have them on your bookshelf at home.  One of the reasons you might recognize them is by their colorful COLLAGED illustrations by Award Winning (2016 Caldecott Honoree, Newbery Medal winner) Illustrator Christian Robinson. 

Let's find out more about this artist and his creative process.

What first made you excited about art?

As a child, I loved making things: drawings, paintings, sculpture, anything I could get my hands on. Creativity allowed me to be in charge, to make my own rules, and create my own little world on paper.Where do you find inspiration for your illustrations? 

Epic question! So many things inspire me: children’s book illustration and graphic art from the ‘50s and ‘60s, nature, simplicity, cities, children’s art, animation, fine art, music … I could keep going.

What does your workspace look like?

I work in an old warehouse that’s been converted into a shared artist studio.What materials do you most like to use?

I love working in collage. Last Stop on Market Street was produced using a mix of paint and collage. Other books I’ve illustrated like The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, written by Justin Roberts, were created in colored pencil. I have the most fun by experimenting and trying all sorts of different mediums and techniques.What design resources would you recommend to young artists?

Not sure if this is a design resource, but I’m obsessed with Pinterest and collecting images that inspire me. The best design resource would have to be a museum or library though. That’s where I go when I need to recharge and find a spark of inspiration.

Think about how what Christian Robinson just said connects with the idea of the  creativity bank account we talked about at the beginning of the year.  Look how Christian Robinson surrounds himself with inspiration.

Do you keep an inspiration board in your current studio space? 

Yes!

What’s the best name for a color that you’ve ever heard?

Pleased as Punch; it’s a very happy red.

Artists have many reasons for creating art.  Listen for some of the reasons Christian creates?  Listen for how he get started with his drawings?  

Does his start remind you of our skill-builder thumbnails.

As you think about yourself as an ARTIST....
How might you tell a story with your pictures?
Is collage a way for you to express an idea? 


PASTE PAPER DEMONSTRATION - 2ND -5TH GRADE

Resources: 
https://www.readbrightly.com/meet-illustrator-christian-robinson/
https://www.artofthepicturebook.com/-check-in-with/2015/10/31/an-interview-with-christian-robinson
http://lorrieabdo.blogspot.com/2010/10/life-of-sheet-of-paste-painted-paper.html
http://www.paintedpaperart.com/