Artist Conversation

Artist: Kiyomi Fukui

Media: Paper; Crane folding

Website: http://www.kiyomifukui.com/

Instagram: @kiyomimiz

Kiyomi was an undergrad at CSULB. She identifies herself as a print maker whose favorite art piece is apologetic garden. Her favorite Japanese food is noodles, any kind of noodles but most specifically hot pot. Her parents lived in Korea, but did not speak Korean. Her father is a retired pastor, and art was the activity that allowed her to understand the reality of his work. She uses art as a therapeutic outlet and a way to bond creativity and spirituality.

Her crane folding art is full of texture and consists of very clean and straight lines. While most of the cranes are black and white, their three-dimensional elements add character to the art. They appear to be relatively small, but very detailed and intricate. Her background is reflected very well in her art, and it is refreshing to look at compared to the usual paint on paper exhibits.

Fukui’s biggest inspiration seems to come from her dad and his line of work. Without him, she would not be as focused on spirituality in her work. Her father’s background was so influential that it allowed for a mind shift from a passion in print making, to crane folding, which in her case is equally as beautiful.

My experience was different than usual due to the virtual interview, but I was still just as interested in her art. I enjoyed her back story and how she has a passion for always being nice to people. The experience was just as interesting, if not more, than usual and I enjoyed her style of art more than I thought I would.