Alchemy - Yuko Ishii Mixed Media Photography

alchemy series

My new body of work titled "Alchemy Series" has evolved in myriad ways.
By creating layers of imagery, calligraphy, and narratives, each completed work
follows the elusive mysteries. The depth and textures mirror the influence of
the elements, and are born in part out of my exaltation in unexpected happenings.

I have become more obsessed with found objects
such as bottles, junk metals, and sticks - combining them with handmade
papers and organic materials such as ash, sand, soil, grass, and soot with
acrylic paint. I wish my assemblages to lead the viewer on an extraordinary
and often unexpected journey of encounter and discovery...my work is meant to
come to life in the viewer's mind. With interaction it begins to develop
gradually and express many different narratives to the viewer's imagination.

I approach both my life and my art committed to the mystical
belief while entering a totally different dimension of reality,
and expand my intuition to understand
the hidden meanings of being and of life.

Process Statement:

My mixed media assemblages are created by combining photography,
painting, calligraphy, and various manmade and natural objects. One of my
exciting methods uses chemicals to activate the oxidation process on metal.
I paint with acrylic on panel and attach some found and natural objects
onto the painting, then varnish or coat with wax. Oftentimes I incorporate
photographs printed on paper, or transferred onto wood or metal.
My photo images are manipulated in the computer - I layer several
different textures over the main image and blend them together. Each
process of making this series is magical since I am deeply superstitious
and strongly attuned to nature. Each work is unique and the only one of its kind.

(click for full image)