The Wild Kingdom of Yumiko Kayukawa by Yumiko Kayukawa (2005, Hardcover)

"THE WILD KINGDOM OF YUMIKO KAYUKAWA" covers her art from the year 2001 through 2005 arranged into chapters by animal type, which I found to be pretty clever and unique, peeking my interest from start to finish!

Kayukawa's paintings incorporate a mix of traditional Japanese cultural icons with modern American pop culture.

Her works in this book are a beautiful depiction of her voice where she incorporates humorous symbolism, painting messages in sometimes controversial social settings. Though the book has a message, Kayukawa's work never takes itself too seriously!

Kayukawa's Art represents life in a colorful way throughout the book!!!

I was doing a little research earlier tonight on some art auctions, some of my favorite artists & galleries when I discovered that one of my favorite artists YUMIKO KAYUKAWA was having an opening reception tonight right here in my city, Los Angeles, CA!

I quickly phoned the gallery and not only was she having an opening, but she was THERE & it was FREE!!! Talk about cosmic in every way....I was fortunate to have attended her first show in LA, but this time I would have the opportunity to actually meet her!

I never got dressed so quickly in my life, as I had about an hour before the reception was ending. Lucky enough, traffic wasn't as bad as I anticipated for a Friday night, 10:30pm, prime time for the party people to be heading out on the town...

Lady luck was on my side...I found what I like to call "Rock Star Parking" right in front of the gallery...lots of little miracles happening all at once!!!!

All I can say is that meeting Yumiko Kayukawa was PURE JOY!!! Not only is she an AMAZINGLY talented artist, she is an AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL PERSON inside and out!!! I truly enjoyed meeting & speaking with her!!! Her presence is TRULY MAGICAL...her energy is pure, calm, sweet, mesmorizing to say the least...which flows through her into her art.

It won't be long before she is discovered on an even larger scale. To me she is the art industry's "Best Kept Secret"!!!

There were limited copies of her book "THE WILD KINGDOM OF YUMIKO KAYUKAWA" being sold at the Gallery, and I managed to purchase one & I got her to sign it and date it as well!!!

Yumiko's work should be seen in person in order to get a real appreciation of her artistic expression and accomplishements...BUT...

THIS BOOK IS A WONDERFUL REPRESENTATION OF YUMIKO'S BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT & TALENT!!!

Words can not even begin to justify or expalin the art of YUMIKO KAYUKAWA. You have to experience her art to truly get a taste of her and this book does just that...it gives you a wonderful fine dining experience and leaves you making room for desert!

Bon Appetite!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has understands and embraces the phrase "LIFE IS ART"!

Nerdy Bird