Yoshiko Kirby taps into dream stories to develop her artwork, using skilled acrylic painting techniques in her, usually, autobiographical narratives. It seems to me that traditional
Japanese paintings, especially the flat style of Japanese silk
paintings, influence the style and composition of her artwork.
But she says that she doesn’t really understand why she paints except that it is her means of communication, her language.
Images just pop into her mind at odd times or during dreams. These dream stories and insights are also very emotional paintings, reflecting Yoshiko’s innermost thoughts and feelings. They come, unbidden, bringing truths from her subconscious mind and tapping into our collective consciousness.
Translating the meaning of dreams into a visual form, for Yoshiko, involves the use of symbols and almost always, the human figure, which often represents herself.
“I am most comfortable whilst creating paintings, for I can both connect to my inner-most soul as well as communicate concepts to the viewers of my work”, she says.
“Because my first
language is not English and because there seems to be no place for me in
Japan, the country of my birth, the discovery of painting has given me a
voice and a sense of belonging. I am addicted!”
Yoshiko’s first
solo exhibition was in 2009 at Douglas Arts Base in Mossman, North
Queensland, as part of the Go Troppo Arts Festival. It was wildly
successful – a sell out! Since then she has been much in demand and has
been involved in several exhibitions in the region.
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Especially
interested in psychological and philosophical themes, particularly those
that have applied to her own life journey, Yoshiko understands the use
of symbols in art and often employs them to express her meaning.
Her
acrylic painting techniques are sometimes varied by the use of oil
paints or charcoal when she is painting landscapes or still lifes or
drawing people. Her figure drawing models are usually herself, her
daughter and friends.
Often using a flat style with diagonal
compositions, rather reminiscent of traditional Japanese paintings that
so influenced many of the French Impressionists, Yoshiko expresses her
feelings and draws on childhood memories for her subject matter.
From this position of story-telling and autobiographical detail, one could say that the conversation is flowing!
Quite a few of the paintings shown on this page have been sold. However, if you are interested in purchasing one or more, don't let that discourage you. Yoshiko has more paintings available for viewing by appointment or photos can be emailed to you. Please just fill in the form, below.
Top of Yoshiko Kirby's Dream Stories
Landscapes in Naive Painting Style
Art in Tropical Australia Home Page