Eyes and Lips Speak: The Positive Art World of “KUMI UNIVERSE”目と唇が語る、『KUMI UNIVERSE』のポジティブアートの世界

1. What brought you to New York, and what aspects of life there do you find most appealing?

I was often told during my university years—when I was already painting colorful and pop-style works—that “New York would suit you more than Japan.” Since then, I’ve felt that I’d rather base my work in New York than in Japan or even Europe. What I find most appealing about life in New York is the diversity in architecture—buildings come in all shapes and carry a sense of age and history, which makes walking around visually stimulating. I also love how lively the city is: people dance on the subway, there are frequent events in parks and on the streets, and I feel energized by the vibrant mix of cultures and people living here.

1. ニューヨークに移住されたきっかけや、生活する中で感じる魅力を教えてください。

大学時代からカラフルでポップな絵を描いていたので、周囲から「日本よりニューヨークが似合いそうね」と言われていました。その時から、活動拠点は日本やヨーロッパではなくニューヨークにしたいと思っていました。ニューヨークでの生活の魅力は、建物の多様なデザインと年季を感じる佇まい、そして電車内でのダンスや路上・公園でのイベントなど、街全体の賑やかさと多様な文化に触れられるところです。

2. What first inspired you to create, and what keeps you motivated to continue your artistic journey?

I think I was around seven years old. The Sailor Moon anime was all the rage back then, and I loved the manga version. I used to copy the illustrations in my notebook, and that was the beginning of my creative journey. What keeps me motivated today is when my work is recognized—winning awards, selling pieces, or simply being acknowledged. That kind of encouragement fuels me.

2. 創作を始めた原点や、アートを続けていくうえでのモチベーションは何ですか？

7歳くらいの時、セーラームーンの漫画が大好きで、ノートに模写していました。それが創作の原点です。現在のモチベーションは、作品が認められること—賞を取ったり、購入してもらえることが力になります。

3. Your artwork frequently features "eyes," "lips," and vivid color palettes. Do these elements carry specific meanings or messages?

Actually, I don’t attach any specific meaning or message to the eyes, lips, or vivid colors. I simply find myself drawn to them. My heart gravitates toward those elements, and so I create works centered around them.

3. 作品に頻繁に登場する「目」や「唇」、鮮やかなカラーリングには、どのような意味が込められていますか？

特に意味やメッセージを決めているわけではなく、心が惹かれるままに描いています。

4. Your work has a bold, three-dimensional impact. What elements are most important in building the “KUMI UNIVERSE”?

Each person has a completely unique worldview, and I feel the word “universe” better reflects that vast diversity than simply calling it a “world.” Because everyone carries their own version of a universe, I treasure the idea of one-of-a-kind uniqueness when creating.

4. 「KUMI UNIVERSE」を形成するうえで大切にしている要素は何ですか？

個性とインパクトを大切にしています。全人類の世界観は百人百様であり、世界より宇宙と呼ぶ方が広い視野を表せると考えています。

5. Can you share moments in your daily life when inspiration strikes or when your creative switch turns on?

I get inspired when I see artwork at exhibitions or museums that makes me think “wow, that’s beautiful.” Or when I’m walking around town and something catches my eye—T-shirt designs, illustrations on shop windows, or graffiti on walls. In those moments, I feel the creative switch flip on, and I think, “I want to make something like that too!”

5. 日々の生活の中でインスピレーションを受ける瞬間や、創作のスイッチが入るタイミングを教えてください。

展示会や美術館で素敵だなと感じた作品を見た時や、街歩きでTシャツやショップウィンドウの絵、壁のグラフィティに惹かれた時にスイッチが入ります。

6. Have there been any especially memorable moments or encounters within New York’s art community?

One memorable moment was having people attend my solo and group exhibitions—they really brought life and energy to the space, and I’m deeply grateful for that. Also, I’ve enjoyed meeting new people at various shows and events. Those encounters and the expanding network have left a lasting positive impression on me.

6. ニューヨークのアートコミュニティで特に印象に残っている出来事はありますか？

ソロショーやグループショーに多くの人が来てくれて、会場を活気づけてくれたことは忘れられません。また、新しい人と出会い、輪が広がることも楽しい思い出です。

7. What challenges have you faced in your creative process, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been working on extremely detailed tasks for tens of hours straight. To overcome that, I remind myself of the Buddhist ascetic practice known as the “Four Abstinences”—no eating, no drinking, no sleeping, and no lying down for nine days. Learning about people who undergo such harsh training gave me mental strength and helped me push through.

7. 制作活動で直面した困難と、それをどう乗り越えてきたか教えてください。

非常に細かい作業を何十時間も続けることが大変でした。四無行という修行を知り、それに耐える人々を思い出すことで心の支えにしています。

8. How have your background in Japan and your experiences in the U.S. influenced your work?

In my 20s, when I was based in Japan, my work often focused on passion and daily memories. Since moving to the U.S., I’ve begun to create with a new intention—to evoke positive reactions from viewers like “this makes me happy,” “it’s cute,” “funny,” “beautiful,” or “cool.” That shift in focus has influenced the world I try to express through my art.

8. 日本での背景とアメリカでの経験は作品にどのような影響を与えていますか？

日本時代の作品は情熱や日々の思い出を表現していましたが、アメリカでは鑑賞者にポジティブな感情を与える作品づくりを意識するようになりました。

9. Are there any materials, methods, exhibitions, or collaborations you hope to explore in the future?

I’d love to design items like T-shirts and bags featuring my artwork, and eventually collaborate with fashion brands. That’s a dream I want to make come true.

9. 今後挑戦したい素材やコラボレーションはありますか？ 自分の絵をデザインしたTシャツやバッグを制作し、ファッションブランドとコラボするのが夢です。

10. What is your favorite motto or a phrase that has stayed with you?

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."

10. 大切にしている座右の銘や言葉は何ですか？

七転び八起き。