Category: Manchester Art

Contemporary Japanese artist and L. S. Lowry in Full Bloom by Sawako Utsumi

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Contemporary Japanese artist and L. S. Lowry in Full Bloom by Sawako Utsumi 

The contemporary Japanese artist, Sawako Utsumi, adores a plethora of different art styles fused from her native Japan and a mixture of European artists. This notably applies to the Dutch Masters of the sixteenth and seventeenth century, Impressionism, and L.S. Lowry who hails from Northern England. Therefore, she fuses and creates her art based on different thought patterns.

In her latest art piece, it is the artist L.S. Lowry who springs eternal, once more. Yet, unlike the more dark tones of the original, Utsumi creates a new vibrant approach – while in the background the industrial reminder remains. Hence, the smoke-filled chimney’s can be viewed.

Yet, the immediate impact on the eye is the new vibrant light and children playing in the joy of youth – while knowing that parents and friends are around. In other words, unlike the original that completely focuses on the Northern English industrial landscape, from the houses to the backdrop of the industrial revolution, this area is now radically altered. The upshot is a delightful atmosphere of children playing amid light colored houses.

Of course, the differences of culture, time, adopting new space, a hidden meaning, and a fresh approach hits you immediately. Also, Utsumi is focused on the number 9 that is linked to infinity and the artist does this based on the number of people in her art piece.

Overall, the new art piece fuses delightfully with the original – and, the elegant fresh approach by Utsumi. Hence, the Japanese nuance of joy amid the reality of the industrial landscape is based on the inner-self and not the natural reality of the heavy industry that befell many working-class people. Related to this were long hours, poor pay in this period, children’s health blighted by pollution, and other negativities. Instead, the joy of young children overcomes the grim reality that many faced during these difficult times in poorer areas of Northern England.

By Lee Jay Walker

http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi personal website

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/lowry-in-japanese-bloom-sawako-utsumi.html – Lowry in Japanese Bloom

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

 

 

Japanese Artist inspired by L.S. Lowry: Japanese context of Northern England

Posted in Art of England, British culture, Cityscapes, Manchester ArtTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Japanese Artist inspired by L.S. Lowry: Japanese context of Northern England

The contemporary Japanese artist, Sawako Utsumi, is deeply moved by the art of L.S. Lowry (original below). Indeed, several art pieces done by Utsumi relate to playing on certain Japanese themes while focusing on the original. Therefore, in her recent art piece titled “Lowry in Japanese color, space, and time,” a more openly Japanese context is added to a greater degree.

This notably applies to space, time, and clarity that are equally visible within Japanese gardens. Equally, certain areas related to quaint angles of Buddhism in the land of the rising sun relate to the importance of space and time. Hence, Utsumi reawakens a sense of her own cultural identity within the original by Lowry that is set in industrial northern England.

All of a sudden, the industrial landscape turns into a scene that exemplifies a natural flow that isn’t constrained by limited space. In other words, the children playing now seem more liberated and at ease in the new environment that is colorful, clean, and not constrained by railings or negative aspects related to industrial northern England.

Equally, the distant industrial angle and gloomy skyline is now transferred by closeness and a sky that equates to freedom. Of course, each individual will see different things and others will see nothing. Yet, for Utsumi, this matters not one jot, providing one other soul connects to her art in a meaningful way that complements the original – while acknowledging the huge transformation based on art, different cultures, and the intentions of Utsumi.

In another article, I state, “Hence, the contemporary Japanese artist Utsumi is focusing on individuality, new forces based on the color that will soon emerge, and people content in their natural surroundings. This focus works a treat because old northern England now becomes innovative once more. After all, the Industrial Revolution and modernizing forces came from the same rich history of northern England.”

The freedom related to the children playing in the art piece titled “Lowry in Japanese color, space, and time,” suddenly alters the notion of struggle and limited ambitions based on the daily grind of life. Instead, the colors of the houses relate to new freedoms and defeating the limited opportunities that generations of working-class people face in industrial cities all over the world.

Written by Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/lowry-in-japanese-color-space-and-time-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-whispers-in-respect-of-lowry-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/lowry-and-shadow-of-japan-sawako-utsumi.html

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/lowry-in-full-japanese-bloom-sawako-utsumi.html

http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi personal website

Japanese Artist and Landscapes of Manchester: Blackley Forest, Heaton Park, and River Irk

Posted in British culture, English culture, Landscapes, Manchester Art, NatureTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Japanese Artist and Landscapes of Manchester: Blackley Forest, Heaton Park, and River Irk

The contemporary Japanese artist, Sawako Utsumi, fuses the art world of Japan and Europe based on an array of areas. For example, from the inspiration of traditional Dutch art to the cityscapes of Paris. Similarly, her Japanese art focuses on angles related to Buddhism, Shintoism, and old art forms. At the same time, Utsumi adores the landscapes of the High Peak area and Peak District in general; in relation to the stunning county of Derbyshire and the beautiful Christian churches that dot the landscape. However, in this article, the emphasis is on Heaton Park and the hidden gem of Blackley Forest in Manchester.

Ironically, while these two art pieces focus on the natural landscapes of Manchester, Utsumi also adores L.S. Lowry (Lowry inspired art piece below by Utsumi) with his connection to Salford and Manchester respectively. In stark contrast to L.S. Lowry, who especially focused on scenes related to the Industrial Revolution and ordinary working-class lifestyles, Utsumi focuses on the angle of nature in relation to her landscapes of Manchester.

In her latest oil painting, titled the Hidden Gem of Blackley Forest in Manchester, the adorable natural landscape comes alive. Indeed, the other art piece, titled Laburnum Tree in Splendid Isolation, is also based in the same part of north Manchester. However, despite Blackley Forest and Heaton Park sharing the same environment and being within a few minutes walking distance, it is true to say that Blackley Forest is a genuine “Hidden Gem.” After all, you rarely see many people relaxing in this less known part of Manchester despite Blackley Forest being extremely beautiful and blessed with a rich natural habitat for animals, birds, various species of trees, and plants. Also, Utsumi focuses on the natural beauty of the River Irk that flows into the River Irwell in central Manchester.

The art piece by Utsumi shows Blackley Forest in all its natural beauty. This applies to the delightful landscape and the mellow walk by the River Irk. Hence, the natural flow of the River Irk blends beautifully with trees, flowers, and plants, depicted by Utsumi in her latest art piece.

In a past article, I state, “The other art piece, Laburnum Tree in Splendid Isolation, highlights the natural beauty of nature. Indeed, for individuals who adore the laburnum tree, then while the original art piece is located in northwest England, the tree itself could be in various parts of this nation. Immediately, the adorable laburnum tree hits the individual because people who love this species will have vivid memories.”

Overall, this contemporary Japanese artist continues to blossom because of the array of angles to her art. Therefore, her latest art piece illuminates the stunning beauty of Blackley Forest in Manchester.

Lee Jay Walker

Please email Sawako Utsumi at sawakoart@gmail.com

http://www.blackleyforest.com/

BELOW IS A NEW BOOK BASED ON THE ART OF SAWAKO UTSUMI

Book Review: Sawako Utsumi and her Kindred Spirit

European and Japanese Art: Buddhism, Christianity, Landscapes, Rinpa, Shintoism, Ukiyo-e, and Dutch Masters

http://www.lulu.com/shop/lee-jay-walker/sawako-utsumi-and-her-kindred-spirit/paperback/product-22830732.html – Please click on to order the book.

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, postcards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/hidden-gem-of-blackley-forest-in-manchester-sawako-utsumi.html Hidden Gem of Blackley Forest by Sawako Utsumi

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/laburnum-tree-in-splendid-isolation-sawako-utsumi.html Laburnum Tree in Splendid Isolation by Sawako Utsumi

http://sawakoart.com Sawako Utsumi and articles related to her art.

 

L.S. Lowry and Sawako Utsumi: Bleak Northern Reality to Light of Sendai

Posted in Art of England, British culture, Cityscapes, English culture, Japanese culture, Manchester ArtTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

L.S. Lowry and Sawako Utsumi: Bleak Northern Reality to Light of Sendai

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L.S. Lowry (1887-1976) and Sawako Utsumi come from two very different cultures that have been shaped by the respective faiths of Buddhism, Christianity and Shintoism. Of course, in modern day Japan and the United Kingdom then secularism is altering the religious landscape. At the same time, new faiths in the United Kingdom representing Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism are especially impacting in major cities. Likewise, the legacy and the reality of the Industrial Revolution was especially potent for Lowry whereas for Utsumi, a contemporary artist from modern Japan, then her reality is shaped by the countryside of the Sendai region to the neon lights of Tokyo.

Lowry during his artistic informative years still wasn’t sure about the direction he was going in. However, just like the chaos of life, one day a new reality dawned on Lowry whereby he would firmly focus on what inspired him. In saying this, Lowry is much more diverse than most people appear to realize. However, clearly his legacy belongs to urban and industrial themes dotted by individual forms of people.

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Lowry says “At first I detested it, and then, after years I got pretty interested in it, then obsessed by it … One day I missed a train from Pendlebury – (a place) I had ignored for seven years — and as I left the station I saw the Acme Spinning Company’s mill … The huge black framework of rows of yellow-lit windows standing up against the sad, damp charged afternoon sky. The mill was turning out … I watched this scene — which I’d looked at many times without seeing — with rapture…”

Utsumi, coming from a very different culture and environment – and being born in the mid-1970s – brings a new light to the darkness and natural beauty of Lowry. In Utsumi’s two art pieces in this article (painting 2-4), whereby she is paying homage to the rich legacy of Lowry, Utsumi brings the light of her grandparents (now passed away but remaining strongly within her heart) and the environment she knows.

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The contrast from the originals by Lowry – to the creativity of Utsumi – creates a natural state of mind that highlights the difference in time and perspectives. In the world of Lowry you had hard working people battling against the reality of industrialization, pollution and poverty. However, for Utsumi, while acknowledging that poverty still persists in modern Japan and the United Kingdom, the neon lights of Tokyo to the comforting rural areas of the Sendai region provides hope.

Overall, the different angles shine magically because Utsumi prefers to focus on her own reality of Lowry. This applies to an inner beauty that isn’t masked by the themes and darkness of certain art pieces by Lowry. Therefore, the spark that Lowry created is extremely important to this modern Japanese artist who hails from Sendai.

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Given this reality, Utsumi is paying homage to Lowry based on different thought patterns and periods of history. The end result is extremely uplifting because the power of the originals by Lowry will always remain potent, while the lightness of Utsumi illuminates her own personal creativity while not distracting from the richness of Lowry.

Lee Jay Walker

http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi personal website

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, post cards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-whispers-in-respect-of-lowry-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/lowry-and-shadow-of-japan-sawako-utsumi.html

L.S. Lowry and Maurice Utrillo Through the Eyes of a Japanese Artist

Posted in Art of England, British culture, Cityscapes, French Art, Manchester ArtTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

L.S. Lowry and Maurice Utrillo Through the Eyes of a Japanese Artist

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L.S. Lowry (1887-1976) and Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955) were born in the 1880s and perished well into the twentieth century. Both individuals created countless amazing pieces of art but from very different angles. This reality hit a chord with Sawako Utsumi, who hails from the Sendai region in Japan, because she appreciates the richness of both artists.

Sawako Utsumi (http://sawakoart.com) is still searching and experimenting with her art but before focusing more internally, this delightful artist from Japan seeks to feel the souls of past great artists. Therefore, certain elements and cross-diversity themes in relation to Japanese and European art are currently paramount within the heart of Sawako Utsumi.

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In the three art pieces highlighted in this article by Sawako Utsumi one art piece is in appreciation and admiration of L.S. Lowry, and the other two art pieces in relation to Maurice Utrillo. However, within her own personal art you will witness various themes and this applies to English landscapes, Japanese rinpa, Still Life, religious elements of various faiths – and the mirage of time, emotion, philosophy, space, and tricks within the shadows of European and Japanese art.

During the lifetime of L.S. Lowry, especially in the early years, many individuals within the art world didn’t appreciate his independent and creative art. Indeed, elements of snobbery and lack of feeling the artistic soul of L.S. Lowry within his heart, meant that some individuals looked down on him. Yet, true to the nature of L.S. Lowry, he responded by saying “If people call me a Sunday painter I’m a Sunday painter who paints every day of the week!”

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I stress in a past article: “This comment by Lowry highlights his roots because it shows no weakness and highlights his enormous self-belief. Also, Lowry didn’t seek compassion because his art would do the talking. Therefore, people can either accept his uniqueness or reject it. Either way, Lowry didn’t desire compliance because he held firm to what made him special. However, in saying this, it must be stated that his art is more diverse than most people give him credit for.”

In contrast, it is clear that Maurice Utrillo had an easier route given the artistic reality of his mother and the many connections she had. Despite this, life was never easy for Maurice Utrillo because he suffered from various health issues, including mental health problems. Therefore, art became a form of therapy during the early stages but in time the soul of this amazing artist would be felt deeply.

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Christianity would also impact on Maurice Utrillo despite his upbringing and the relentless struggles that he faced. I comment in a past article about this rich artist: “Throughout the life of Utrillo mental asylums became a reality because often he was interned into these institutions. Despite this, Utrillo produced an abundance of stunning art pieces and in 1928 he was awarded the Cross of the Legion d’honneur by the government of France. Also, by the middle of the 1930s Utrillo became increasingly religious in relation to Christianity.”

In the three art pieces by Sawako Utsumi titled Japanese Eyes and Utrillo, Lowry and Shadow of Japan and Mirage of Utrillo, it is clear that you can also feel the individualism of this modern artist from Japan within her art pieces. This is based on her admiration and appreciation of L.S. Lowry and Maurice Utrillo, while providing different color schemes and implementing certain dynamics in relation to creativity, culture, space, light, the mirage of time and personal meanings.

Lee Jay Walker

http://sawakoart.com – Sawako Utsumi personal website

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sawako-utsumi.html – Sawako Utsumi and where you can buy her art, post cards, bags, and other products. Also, individuals can contact her for individual requests.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/lowry-and-shadow-of-japan-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/japanese-eyes-and-utrillo-sawako-utsumi.html

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/mirage-of-utrillo-sawako-utsumi.html