It’s my favorite morning of the week, Friday morning.
Why are Friday mornings my favorite? Why, because, I get to introduce you to another talented Enchanted Visions Artist. I enjoy interviewing them and rereading the interviews and I love seeing the gorgeous art they make.
Today it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the lovely
If you would like to see more of Mayumi’s art, you can find her at the following links:
Mayumi Ogihara
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| Enchanted Visions Artist Mayumi Ogihara |
Who is, “Mayumi Ogihara”? Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a self-taught pencil artist. Born in Japan and moved to Canada 24 years ago. I live in Duncan, BC (Vancouver Island) – we’re surrounded by lakes, rivers, ocean, mountains and forest! – with my husband of 21 years and two sons who are 19 and 15 years old. Art has always been a part of my life as I grew up in an artistic family, and I’ve always enjoyed all sorts of arts and crafts. I started drawing seriously 5 years ago after I joined DeviantArt. That’s also when I decided to follow my heart and draw what I enjoy the most – the world of fantasy.
How did you hear about Enchanted Visions and why did you want to become a member artist?
I can’t say for sure, but I think I talked with a few EV members on DeviantArt about how it is interesting to create art for monthly themes. I wanted to become a member because I thought it would be challenging but also inspiring.
Each month, Enchanted Visions artists are challenged with creating a piece of art for that month’s theme. Please share some of the art you have created for Enchanted Visions with us. For each piece of art, please describe how it interprets that month’s theme, any story behind the art, and the theme’s meaning to you.
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| Spirited Away by Enchanted Visions Artist Mayumi Ogihara |
Spirited Away. This is my first piece I created for EV. The Japanese word for Spirited Away is Kamikakushi which means “hidden by God”. For this theme I drew a woman who is trapped in between this world and another world, wandering in a place where it is so close yet far away from the reality. By drawing a part of her transparent I tried to depict uncertainty, fragility, and her feeling of lost.
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| Dreaming on Aquamaring Tides by Enchanted Visions Artist Mayumi Ogihara |
Dreaming on Aquamarine Tides. I’m not a good swimmer but I love the feeling of calm and tranquility of being underwater. If I were a mermaid, I would float and dream of dreams… just like this merman. I hope the viewer would feel peacefulness from this drawing as well.
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| Elegance for the theme In Between by Enchanted Visions Artist Mayumi Ogihara |
For this theme, In Between, I decided to draw a piece that contains only black, white, and shades in between. It was inspired by classic Hollywood portraits which showcase the beautiful depth of grey scale. I wanted to challenge myself to create a drawing that requires a good use of value changes.
EV has a monthly auction of the work created. Do you sell your work there?
Yes, do. I offer both originals and prints.
Are there challenges knowing you are one of many artists creating art for the same EV theme? Does this knowledge hinder you or give you momentum when creating for the monthly theme?
I think it’s inspiring, but I never found it’s hindering. It’s very fascinating to see what each artists create for the same theme. It helps me to open my mind as well as my imagination to grow.
Is your art hanging or displayed in your home. If so, where and how? If not, why not? What type of art (besides your own) hangs on your walls?
I have “Through Innocent Eyes” (and a few other drawings) in my living room so I can see them all the time. This piece was inspired by Sarah McLachlan’s amazing song “Ordinary Miracle”. The world is full of wondrous things through children’s eyes, and they are right here around us, but many adults take them for granted because our lives are often too busy to take a moment to enjoy them. As an artist it’s very important to have ‘innocent eyes’ to see the wonder and let your heart flutter with joy from the beauty of them. This drawing is there to say that I still see magic and miracle, and that’s why I am a fantasy artist.
Describe (and provide a photograph if you like) of your studio/work space. What would you change about it, if anything, for it to become your dream work space?
I have a small drawing desk in my living room. Graphite pencil artists don’t require much space since we only need a pencil, paper, and an eraser, but sometimes I feel I need a little too space now that I started to use coloured pencils, pastels, and some acrylic paints. Hope I can make some changes to improve it in the future.
“Paint” a picture of yourself for us using 10 colorful words to describe you, the total picture.
Creative, perfectionist, clumsy, short (151cm since I was in grade 8), thoughtful, happy, emotional, stubborn, introverted, patient.
Thank you so much Mayumi for this wonderful look into your creative process, your art and you.
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Please visit ENCHANTED VISIONS to see more of Mayumi’s art and what she has created for the latest theme.
If you would like to see more of Mayumi’s art, you can find her at the following links:
Website: http://members.shaw.ca/
deviantArt: http://mayumiogihara.
Very nice interview Mayumi and Tori! Mayumi, liked reading more about your EV art, and life. 🙂
Beautifully spoken, Mayumi! And that is a beautiful combination you chose for your work. I am so glad you showed us "Elegance" again! <3
What a fabulous interview with a most incredible artist. Thank you for sharing Mayumi's art with us 😀
Mayumi, I was really surprised to find out you've been only drawing for last five years! Your talent is incredible <3
Fantastic interview ladies!
beautiful interview Mayumi and Tori congratulations!!
Beautiful interview! <3
Thank you so much, Coriander xx
I've been doodling on and off for a long time, and did a handful of portraits in the past.. just for fun. In the past 5 years, it's been wonderful to be surrounded by amazing artists/friends and I've learnt so much from you guys. Thank you *hugs*
Thank you so much, Monika!
Thank you so much, Kat xx
Thank you so much for the lovely comment!
Thank you so much, Jenny xx
Great interview, Mayumi. I agree with Monika. You're such an artistic powerhouse after only 5 years of focusing on it! You've been a very big source of inspiration for me since I saw your artwork a long time ago.
The beauty of your sharing this part of yourself with the world is equally as delightful as the way you so thoughtfully & generously share so much about others.
Thanks for being you. Love & much Good Fortune to you! <3
Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Joyce. You're so kind! Sorry for not replying sooner xx