When you look at Yusuke Yonezu's paintings, you sense a sense of tranquility that makes the viewer's mind suddenly stop and begin to think, even though the subjects depicted are very ordinary things such as animals, tools, fruits, and flowers.
The lines waver slightly, the colors bleed slightly. This slight imbalance conveys the warmth of the hand and the accumulation of time spent drawing, leaving a gentle space in the heart.
For example, the animals depicted stand calmly, neither laughing nor crying, yet in their silence we can detect hints of human emotion.
Yonezu's paintings do not speak to us, but rather stare back at us.
When the viewer becomes aware of that gaze, the painting begins a dialogue.
It all started with a coincidence
Born in Tokyo in 1982, Yonezu studied design at Tokai University. He grew up watching his father, who ran a women's shoe manufacturing business, and decided to pursue a career in design, hoping to be of some use in the future.
He says he started drawing when he was in college and a friend invited him to draw an illustration at his house.
Although I could copy manga, I didn't know what to draw when it came to creating original pictures.
However, as he showed his drawings to his friends, he became fascinated by them and began exhibiting his work at art events so that the general public could see it.
It was around that time that he first learned about the profession of "illustrator" and decided to pursue it.
Eventually, someone at an exhibition said to him, "It looks like a picture book," which prompted him to try making a picture book and submit it to a competition. Although he didn't win a prize, he passed the judging and said that he felt a sense of accomplishment in the medium of picture books.
The turning point: being selected for Bologna
After graduating from university in 2004, Yonezu continued creating works while working part-time.
The following year, in 2005, his work was selected for the Bologna Children's Book Fair, one of the world's largest picture book illustration competitions. This competition, which is coveted by picture book authors from all over the world, receives thousands of applicants and tens of thousands of works from over 80 countries each year, of which only a handful are selected. For Yonezu, this was the first time his work had reached the world stage.
This selection prompted her to personally travel to the Bologna Book Fair, where publishers from around the world gather, to promote her work. There, she met a Swiss publisher, who decided to publish her picture book, " Bye-Bye Binky ."
The work was first published in English, German, and French, marking a stepping stone for global expansion.
Since then, his works have been translated and published in Europe, America, Asia, and elsewhere, and he has become internationally known as a Japanese picture book author.
Yonezu's picture books are published all over the world
My encounter with Cray-Pas
What characterizes Yonezu's art is the soft yet deep expression he achieves with crayons. He says that while he longed for the freedom of drawing that children have, his own meticulous personality prevented him from achieving this. It was during this time that he discovered crayons.
"Crayons don't draw straight, beautiful lines. They always end up distorted or the thickness changes. But that's what gives them their natural charm."
He says that because it's difficult to express minute details, the "unexpectedness" that comes from chance and restrictions actually suits him. Unlike acrylic paints, there's less preparation required, and one of the attractions is that "you can paint immediately when you want to." These restrictions and improvisational nature create Yonezu's distinctive warm and deep touch.
Yonezu's favorite crayons
Kindness that reaches the world
As a picture book author, her representative work, "Half and Half!" (Kodansha), deals with the theme of "sharing."
This piece has a structure that can be experienced with a perforated mechanism and a flip-open mechanism.
The English version of " Sharing " was reviewed by the American book review magazine Kirkus Reviews.
Named Best Board Book of the Year in 2020.
In the review,
“ Sharing is caring — this small gem of a board book is a delight to share with little listeners.”
It has been praised as "Sharing is caring" - this little gem of a picture book will bring you the joy of reading with your children."
Kirkus Reviews is one of the most influential critical magazines in the American children's book and publishing world. Being selected as " Best Book of the Year " is an extremely prestigious recognition for a picture book published in the English-speaking world.
Yonezu created this picture book with the hope that people would enjoy it like a toy.
The rhythm of life and creativity
He is currently based in Nagano Prefecture, where he continues to create surrounded by natural light and air.
"Having nature nearby has made me feel calm," says Yonezu.
The time he spends with his family during his peaceful days brings a calm tone and space to his work, quietly nurturing the gentleness that resides in his paintings.
And when I actually met him, my impression was that he was just like the world of his work.
I told him that I had a trip planned and would like to come and say hello when I got there.
He said, "I'll come and see you when I go to Tokyo. Since it's a special trip, I hope you enjoy it," and made the effort to visit our company.
Although he is a well-known artist, he is unpretentious, sincere, and gentle, and this attitude is deeply intertwined with the serenity that permeates his works.
Yonezu's Atelier
The essence of drawing
Yonezu's paintings have a sincerity to them, as they try to depict exactly what they feel, rather than pursuing a finished form.
A world constructed in which pictures and words, the texture of the screen and the viewer's emotions gently resonate with each other.
There is a strong desire to "communicate directly" rather than "draw beautifully."
Yusuke Yonezu's paintings contain gentle expressions and thoughts, bringing warmth to the hearts of those who see them.
