The Mr. has finally began to catch up on all the videos we’ve filmed in the month of July– since plenty of events seemed to snowball at once. In early July, both Yumiko Kayukawa and Ben Tour held their joint opening at Joshua Liner’s Gallery– a gallery that is quickly becoming one of my favorite spaces.

John had introduced me to Yumiko’s work some time last year and I really liked it. He described it as a “grown-up” tokidoki and he was right, this is meant to be a compliment. When I learned she’s be having an opening so close to me, I knew I had to see her works in person and meet the artist in person. That I did, I even got a sketch. ^_^

Ben Tour on the other hand, was someone who I knew nothing about. I’m not sure if I should be embarrassed to admit that, but when I turned to his nook of the gallery, I was blown away. I’m learning that my style is changing, maybe evolving?? Ben Tour’s canvasas depicted pain, betrayal, hardships, life and an abundance of other characteristics and I found myself wishing I had a rich uncle somewhere so I could own his art. I need to do more research on him, since I haven’t had much time and concentration to sit and google the many artists I’m being introduced to.

Check out the film, but as always, I recommend viewing the pieces in person. As much as I, and any other site tries to deliver art to you– video never does it justice. You need to get up close and see the brush strokes– sense the areas where one got angry or frustrated or was lost in a serene state of mind. Even if I don’t like a particular artist or style, I always feel good about seeing things up close and personal.

p.s. I wrote about Yumiko on my VPEast weekly feature. Check out the post to learn more about her. =)