"Miyaji"
The above is dedicated to the late parents of Yumi. The painting shows Kazuko with
husband Takeo in a familiar scene to those who knew the couple. Kazuko and Takeo were
rarely seen apart as they happily enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Their marriage
weathered the most troubling of times including a world war, a painful reconstruction, and
the uncertainty of globalization. Although Kazuko & Takeo are missed, their
spirit will remain with us forever..
Biography
Yumi was born in Tokyo, Japan on October 26, 1940. In Japan, she studied under Ukai Uchiyama, Japan's master watercolorist.
While she was a student at Keio University in Tokyo, Yumi had already started doing a variety of illustrations for children's magazines and books. In 1963, Yumi graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.
In 1964, Yumi ventured on her own to San Francisco, California to study at the Academy of Fine Arts.
In 1972, Yumi decided to move to San Diego, CA and soon became a full time artist. In 1974, Yumi put together her first exhibition at Gallery 25 in Balboa Park's Spanish Village. Yumi continues to show at Spanish Village to this day.
In 1975, Yumi participated in a two artist show at the La Jolla Art Association gallery and her work can still be seen at the La Jolla gallery every April. She also made guest appearances on local TV art programs.
In 1981, she received the First Award at International Fine Arts Exhibition in San Diego.
From 1982 to 1985, Yumi lived in Holland while studying the works of old Dutch masters. The three years in Holland had a dramatic impact on Yumi's style of painting that would inspire her for many years after.
In 1985, Yumi returned to San Diego and immediately reinstated memberships with the La Jolla Art Association and the La Jolla Fine Arts.
In 1986, a number of limited edition lithographs were published by Bentley House Limited. The most successful included "Boating", "Water Lilies", and "Black Swan" which displayed Yumi's impressionistic talents. Meanwhile, Yumi produced the video "The Colors of Yumi" while winning numerous national and international awards for her artistic talents.
From 1993 to 1996, Yumi's work was showcased on the cover of Japan's Seikei Kaishi magazine. Click to see covers.
In 1994, Yumi received the Aaron Brothers Award at the 17th Annual Juried Show presented by the La Jolla Art Association. She also exhibited "Romance of Colors by Yumi" at the Elk Gallery in Torrance, CA.
From 1996 to 1997 Yumi was chosen to head the La Jolla Art Association as president. Despite this heavy responsibility, Yumi also dedicated herself to the teaching of art for the Grossmont Adult Education programs.
Although it was a great fulfillment to share her knowledge of art to hundreds in the community, Yumi retired from teaching art in 1999 in order to concentrate fully on painting. For her outstanding teaching contributions made to the La Mesa community, Yumi was awarded the key to the city of La Mesa.
Yumi is currently producing a series of instructional videos that will blend local San Diego scenery with basic oil painting lessons (See Videos). Once the series is completed, these videos will be submitted for air time on a local TV station.
In 2004, Yumi was comissioned to do the Mural painting for the city of La Mesa. The unveiling ceremony was held on September 10.
