Interview
Yuki Hemmi
Yuki was born on April 6th, 1986 in Kagawa, Japan, and raised in Chiba. She studied global economics at Meiji University and has travelled to 24 countries across five continents, all which have added to her creative insight. Yuki's clothing line, LUCENT LIFE, is created using traditional Kimono dyeing techniques known as Yuzen-zome, Roketsu-zome, and is her own original dyeing method that incorporates high-end dressmaking.
Most of her work involves dyeing silk, making patterns, drawing, and sewing clothing, scarves, etc. Her passion for dyeing and sewing dates back to 2013 when she was inspired by the great music and live performances from various musicians. Gradually, she developed a dream of contributing to society through her talent and creativity. Her goal is to bring joy to the world by featuring models, performers, musicians, and artists from Japan and other countries.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I once visited a school in Ibaraki that was hosting a concert with a pianist and a violinist in April 2012. There was a large cherry tree in full bloom in the middle of the schoolyard, and former students and parents attended the concert. It was raining heavily, but once the duo started playing, the rain stopped. The song made me feel as if a watery dragon were flying toward the moon, scattering the petals from the cherry blossoms with its dorsal fin and making it rain.
The following year, I drew a pencil drawing of that feeling I was experiencing, took a picture of it with my mobile phone, and reversed the colours with an app. While it was a black and white drawing, the sky turned to a deep black and the cherry blossoms to a deep cherry colour. This experience inspired me to start working on creative projects in the spring of 2013. I then visited Kyoto and Nara, tried weaving, ceramics, cooking, and other lessons. Also, I participated in a Roketsu-zome, a Japanese traditional batik dyeing workshop, and dyed my first wool muslin dress. I was intrigued by the fact that my freely dyed colors became a dress and that I could wear it. Having enjoyed the experience, I began dyeing and sewing.”
What would you say inspires you most?
“It is with great interest that I recall reading, in 2008, a book by John Wood, the founder of the international NGO Room to Read, with the aim of providing educational opportunities to ten million children worldwide. My heart was touched by the book and I started volunteering for Room to Read.
When I attneded Mr. John's Fundraising Gala in Tokyo of April 2009, many guests were dressed in elegant suits and dresses. The school building program was put up for auction, and in response to Mr. John's call "Don't be shy! ", eight guests raised their hands, and eight elementary schools were built in developing countries. I have observed that artistic and brilliant moments shape the future of children. It was a memorable and inspiring experience for me. Later, I developed the desire to make beautiful clothing and contribute to society.”
How would you describe your work?
“Through my art, I hope to bring light to the people who see it, and the people close to them, as well as to the future of our world. In my work I have focused on the theme of "LUCENT LIFE", where the root of the word "lucent" refers to "lunar" and "the moon". As a result of sunlight, the moon shines. It is my hope that my Art will shine even more, illuminated by the brilliance of the lives of those who wear it and those who feel it.
For one of my previous exhibitions, I created an artwork called, '陰 - 内なる輝き / Yin - Inner Shine'. It expresses the brilliance of the inner world of women, which has been connected from ancient times to the future. According to the Yin-Yang philosophy, women are considered to be Yin. Elements such as moon, water, plants, night, and softness are also Yin. The moon represents the inner brilliance of women, the water flowing in a circle represents the passage of time, and the lotus represents the quiet growth of women with a soft material, silk.
We live in a world of darkness and light, Yin and Yang, feeling of worry, suffering, joy, love, and various other emotions. I wanted to capture these natural elements, so I began to dye the flow of life as it is, the mystery of the essential soul. Through various experiences, female spirits shine and gradually blossom in the process of life. The soul of a woman keeps circulating in her one life, and for thousands of years. I dyed such a feeling.” See below:
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My artworks are based on the theme of LUCENT LIFE. As of 2013, LUCENT LIFE was called 'LTL' after Room to Read, or RtR. As a result, I vowed that if I had a chance to present my art in the future, I also wanted to mention Room to Read when stating the theme of my art, so many would view it as a way to support children. My life's purpose is to create artworks and beautiful things for our world.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am greatly influenced by Mr. John Wood of Room to Read. Since he created Room to Read, more than 23 million children around the world have been given educational opportunities, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Zambia, Grenada, Indonesia, Rwanda, Jordan, and Myanmar. He is a warm-hearted artist, who created the smiles and future of many children.
I am also inspired by the music of my precious friend IZUMI who is a composer, pianist and singer. Listening to her music is healing for my heart and cleansing for my soul, and her tone gently harmonizes with my creation.”
What is your creative process like?
“In addition to my clothes-dyeing teacher who is 96-years-old and has dyed thousands of kimonos, my dressmaking teacher is 85- years-old, and I have learned how to sew high-end clothes from her. With the traditional Japanese dyeing techniques mastered by my teacher, such as Yuzen-zome, foil, gold and silver powder, Sunago, Makinori and other brush dyeing methods, I pursue free expression using inherited dyeing and dressmaking techniques.
When I dye, I listen to a variety of musical instruments, beautiful singing voices, whose melodies reflect my world view. The rhythm and tone of the melody inspire me to dye silk and express colours in accordance with them. Moreover, I enjoy visiting traditional Japanese and foreign places and feeling the beauty of nature. I am often inspired by music, travel, the natural spiritual world, and ancient times when I create my artworks.”
What is an artist’s role in society?
“I love the idea of every artist living a creative life with the aim of contributing to society. Artists have the power to touch the hearts of many. An artist is like a wind that blows freely: I believe that artists are free to express themselves without being defined by a role.”
“It seems to me that through God turning the artist into an instrument, collaborating with fate and nature, the artwork's spiritual quality is transported into the realm of God as if it were inspired by a heavenly power.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My artworks have been displayed at the following exhibitions:
In 2013
Exhibition of Charity Art Roses 2013, Laforet Museum, Tokyo, JapanIn 2014
The Beyond Kimono stage, Japan Expo, Paris, France / The Paul Klee Center, Bern, SwitzerlandIn 2015
Exhibition of charity art "ROSES" 2015, Omotesando Hills, Tokyo, Japan
At the Room to Read Fundraising Gala* held at the Tokyo American Club in Tokyo, Japan
The Kizuna Charity Exhibition, Shiga, Japan
Exhibition Sora, Gallery Sora, Osaka, Japan / Montreal, CanadaIn 2016,
The Kizuna Charity Exhibition, Shiga, Japan
BEYOND KIMONO: Belgium preview stage
The Miracle Age Fashion Show, Sagami Women's University, Kanagawa, JapanIn 2017
Fukuyama 100th anniversary ROSES 2017, Community house umbrella, Hiroshima, Japan
The 21st Century Woman Artist Exhibition, MI gallery, Osaka, Japan
Exhibition of 100 American Artists, Ouchi Gallery, New York, USA
A fashion stage at the Yokohama Nho Theater in Kanagawa, Japan, named Hagoromo.In 2018,
UNESCO's Hagoromo (Fashion stage), Paris, FranceIn 2019
JAPAN FLOSS SILK VISUAL ART*, Tanaka Yaesu Gallery, Tokyo, Japan, 25th.
Website: www.yukihemmi.wixsite.com
Instagram: @lucent_life & @yukihemmi
Other: www.suzuri.jp/LUCENT-LIFE
