Junko Yamada was born in Kyoto, Japan. Growing up in the beach resort area of Miyazu, a beautiful area of Japan located on the Pacific coast about two hours north of Kyoto, her art was influenced by the spectacular scenery. Her academic training includes the Art Institute of Boston (1986-1988) and the Art Institute of Alexandria, Virginia (1992-2000). It was in Boston that she realized how the natural beauty of the Japanese seashore is reflected in her vibrant colors and cheerful style. Like the ocean and the mountains of her childhood in Kyoto, her work instills a sense of tranquility and inner peace, a visual escape from everyday life.
In 2010, Junko’s artwork was selected to represent the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Her image appeared on the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival merchandise as well as select marketing materials.
www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
In 2011, Junko’s piece titled “Vegetable Garden” won the Gold Medal for Collage and Mix Media at the Salmagundi Gallery Exhibition in NYC.
Art Background
1971-1982: Academic Art Education in Kyoto, Japan
1971-1977: Private lessons in Japanese Calligraphy
1986-1988: The Art Institute of Boston (Boston, MA)
1988-present: Work on Japanese rice paper collage, Harie
1992-2000: The Art League, Alexandria, VA
2001-present: the Art Students League of New York
Affiliation
New York Artist Equity Association Member
OIA (Organization of Independent Artists) Member, NY, NY
The Art Students League of New York
Published
The Artist’s Magazine
December, 2003 A Finalist Winner in 20th Annual Art Competition
Manhattan Art International
March, 2003 Award of excellence from the healing power of art
The Artist’s Magazine
December, 2000 A Finalist Winner in 20th Annual Art Competition
(in the experimental category)
Manhattan Art International
July-August, 1999 issue.
Manhattan Art International
March-April, 1999 issue
Artist Statement
By applying modern subject matter and vibrant colors to a traditional Japanese art form, Junko Yamada creates truly unique works of art on rice paper. Her collages compose with thousands of pieces of fine paper in the tradition of “Harie”, a style of art that dates back several centuries in Japan.
Now having come full circle, her Japanese origin is reflected in her American training just as the natural beauty of the Japanese seashore is reflected in her choice of color and style. Junko Yamada hopes that, like the ocean and mountains of her youth, her work instills a sense of tranquility and inner peace, a visual escape from everyday life.