Earnestly Presented by Tatsuro Kiuchi

2月 02, 2013

Earnestly Presented by Tatsuro Kiuchi

How could I forget to mention Tatsuro Kiuchi when sharing my art finds? Looking at Kiuchi's works is like flipping through old photobooks. They are some beautiful yesterdays, with exact details we vaguely remember but still see the light-coloured blurriness whenever we recall.

Such a talented artist could have been a biologist considering him being a graduate in Biology back in the uni. Kiuchi later switched profession to an art career after receiving a postgraduate degree at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena. As an illustrator from Japan, Kiuchi is probably right about taking his first step in the market: he published the very first books with US publishers, which enabled him to related his Japanese life experience with a foreign perspective. The collaboration with US publishers made the works crossed national borders to the public, enjoyed favorable feedbacks worldwide (his first picture book "The Lotus Seed" sold 250,000 copies immediately), and of course opened more doors for him. Some big companies Kiuchi worked with are Starbucks, the Royal Mail, New York Times, Washington Post, to name a few.

Looking at the illustration, it's no coincidence that folks regard the hand-made and grainy texture comes from the traditional method of screen printing. And if Kiuchi didn't reveal he relies completely on Photoshop, we'll continue to think so. It turns out he simply uses brush and eraser tools to create a style. Contrary to what you think huh?

Although works are done by digital means, he certainly borrows the simplicity feature, direct and manual feel from screenprints; there is no too curvy lines, complex image composition or ambitious use of colours. Plus the warm and light palettes probably explain why Kiuchi's images always sound smoothing to ears. I especially admire how he catches the momentary fragments from daily and common experiences, sometimes the theme is reminiscent enough to get you sentimental for a while. If he were a photographer, he'd be good at capturing candid shots.

I wonder why I've never seen Kiuchi's editorial works on magazines/book covers, and imagine how thrilled I wouldn't hide if his art got displayed somewhere in Taiwan. In fact Kiuchi has contributed many pieces on print media (see belows). While given a brief to work on, Kiuchi plans illustration by firstly doodling out ideas in his head, keeping revising them to clearer visuals, and then finally colouring a couple of compositions he likes. The final piece is always accomplished upon art directors' approval (see the interview article featuring Tatsuro Kiuchi here). As a former editor and possibly still in the future, I can't help thinking: "Can I ever commission him to paint anything for me?"

I particularly like this piece he did for New York Times (below). The angle he chose to be part of the setting spotlights the iPad and the user who's (obviously) reluctant to let go of the gadget. This composition is straightforward yet penetrating enough to infer the technology obsession for many today.

The thing about illustration is that it's categorised as one of the applied arts. Because of so, it's rather important for illustrators to explore all the best possible media where the works can be presented. Maybe illustration isn't something to be framed, but needs to reach to the public. Kiuchi was commissioned by the Royal Mail (2006) to do a Christmas stamp collection. The stamps alone could be the best Christmas gift ever!

Imagine Kiuchi's images pop up on subway paths and billboards on highway ...... "Pass the cheer" is the project Starbucks commissioned Kiuchi to do back in 2007. The message along with the image compose very eye-catching illustraions (below). They are as heartwarming as a hot latte freshly made at Starbucks!

Some say "Like dog, like owner," and I feel the saying embodies perfectly in Kiuchi's frank, hearty and high-spirited expression. Kiuchi personally has a Shiba inu (a Japanese dog breed) named Chai. Actually Chai's the second dog Kiuchi has ever had. People who live(d) with dogs or cats understand the priceless companionship they give , and how harmless the world becomes if we have them around. Given the great love and gratitude, Kiuchi illustrated for the "柴犬人会（しばけんじんかい" magazine (below). The serial images picture daily anecdotes with Shiba inu, just how mischievous and hilarious they can be.

CUTE ALERT!