Jeremy Yamamura

Hi Jeremy! For those who are unfamiliar, who are you and what do you do?

Oh hey, my name is Jeremy Yamamura and I make dogs on paintings, animations and walls.

Walk us through your creative process when starting a new painting.

How do you generate ideas and translate them into a visual concept?

Well, ideas can come from anywhere really. Music and lyrics, films but also people and everyday life. Being in Tokyo is like being constantly inspired, I have been here for so long but still, everything is so different here! People's mentality and attitude, culture and energy will never stop to surprise me and inspire me. 

Process-wise, usually I would start with a quick sketch on my iPad, see if I'm happy with the composition and overall image and then redo that sketch free-hand on canvas or other media. I used to make a proper drawing with colours first, then re-produce it on the canvas, but I realised it lacks spontaneity so these days I am into adjusting things directly on the canvas, without too much preparation

What themes or subjects do you find yourself drawn to in your work?

Subject-wise, it's pretty obvious I think! I'm the dog. When I'm in good vibes, I have noticed all my dogs have big smiles all teeth out, and when I'm a bit down, the dogs tend to be sad and concerned. It's really me on the canvas. So theme-wise I would say whatever affects me: music, film, people, friends and family, human relations, a situation, an argument, or just a landscape and some beautiful colours.

Are there any artists who have influenced your style or approach?

I started graffiti in the early 2000s, and during that time I was influenced by people like Jace and his gouzous, Mr. Chat, Pez, La Mano, Os Gemeos, Andre, Space Invader, etc… I always loved that happy vandal approach, something that speaks to a more global audience. It's vandal, but it's fun - spreading the same characters over and over. Recently, I really looked up artists like Roby Dwi Antono - I love his evolution, so inspiring. I'm really into Szabolcs Bozo too, really impressed by how mature his work is despite painting cute colourful monsters. Susumu Kamijo is also inspiring how he went from dogs to abstract arts, keeping the same touch.

If I have to name a few more: Barry Mc Gee, of course, Taylor Anton White, Laust Højgaard, Yoshitomo Nara, and Van Minnen… love their approach, creativity and aesthetic.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Wow, that is a hard one. Maybe just keep doing it naturally? Start with a small show in some friend's places, if it's good and finds its audience, it will take off. If it doesn't, well maybe try a different approach or media. But in my case, I try to not overthink things and let it happen naturally. One piece of advice though - that I learnt myself from someone I really respect - don't say yes to everyone and everything, one must pick and choose! 

Finally, any exciting projects you can share with us coming up in 2024?

I just released a collaboration with a Japanese fashion brand a few weeks ago called COEN, I have a solo show at HMV Records shop in Shibuya Tokyo. Next is a live art performance with Lucas Beaufort. After that, I will have my first solo show in Korea, and plan a big duo show with legendary kinky Japanese Artist and Photographer Yonehara here in Harajuku!