Conversations with the Inspiring Mami Yamamoto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mami Yamamoto.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mami. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Prior to becoming a printmaker, I worked for a Japanese antique business for over 20 years. During this period, I constantly gained additional knowledge of Japanese antiques including furniture, textiles, and folk arts. Being a Japanese native, Japanese aesthetics were always centered around my service and responsibility and I truly enjoyed becoming a cultural liaison between Japan and the U.S. While my career in the Japanese antique business was fair to me, I had to admit that my inner voice for becoming an artist had existed throughout my life. In January of 2014, I had a traumatic surgery due to having swallowed a fishbone! During the healing process, my Asian superstitious nature discovered that fish/fishbone symbolized ‘transformation.’ A few months later, I resigned from my job and in September 2014, enrolled in a basic monotype printmaking class at Art Student League of Denver. Since then, I have been committed to the Art Student League’s studio producing prints!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being your own, instead of working for someone, gives one a great sense of freedom, yet it requires a tremendously proactive attitude. Making art is the best part of all, as many artists say, but marketing is the most challenging part. Since there is no such thing as “how to become a successful artist 101” type process, I looked around and selected what things work for me. During my first year as a printmaker, I accumulated a substantial number of prints but I was not sure if my work was good enough to sell. Then, one of my printmaker mentors simply said, “Mami, when you make art, you must show.” It was simple but a most brilliant statement and I took it without hesitation. I applied to the Summer Art Market in Denver in June of 2015 and had a very encouraging and successful show. Any “hint” like this experience, seeing a positive response to what I do, keeps my head upward and allows me to move forward. Applying to outdoor summer shows in your region may be a good way to start to have a direct response to your work from the community audiences and patrons. It is the best feeling when someone reacts so positively to what I have created! One other key piece of advice I would like to offer is the importance of how you show/present your work. Consider it as an investment, just like any other business, you are putting yourself out there and as such, need to present your work professionally. It will make a huge difference in the end.

What should we know about mamiprints? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a printmaker and make one of a kind prints called monotypes. The process is both somewhat simple and simultaneously complicated. I use a plexiglass plate and no permanent marks/design remains from the process. As you see in my prints, I layer designs to complete each individual work. My printing ink is oil-based from France and I use BFK archival paper, which is also made in France. Layering images and designs with relatively translucent inks creates depth and unexpected elements. Creating my own colors, not directly from the ink in the tubes, is essential and I do not sketch prior to any of my prints as it is rather difficult to foresee with multiple layers. My prints are unique most due to the layering technique and their colorful and bold designs. I love colors, shapes, and textures and this trait might have come from my love of textiles.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I am not that internet savvy so the only app I use on a regular basis is Instagram for both showing and looking at work. Connecting with total strangers across the ocean and continents because of common threads are profoundly rewarding. I intentionally look for feeders who are in totally different fields from what I do, expecting something totally unexpected. Books are always a good source for mind-rejuvenating and inspiration, along with walking which brings me a time to engage my inner self.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mamiprints.com
• Email: mamifinke@gmail.com
• Instagram: mamiyamamotofinke

Image Credit:
Copyright: MAMIPRINTS

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