Victoria Yahara is inspired by motherhood, her local Canadian wildlife, and the botanical symbolism of the Victorian language of flowers. These influences are reflected in her linocut series that use flowers to depict different themes including friendship, motherhood, and remembrance.
Victoria grew up on little Bowen Island, off the west coast of Canada, where she spent much of her childhood beach combing, forest exploring, and drawing from nature. She studied Art and Graphic Design at Capilano University, and now lives in beautiful North Vancouver, Canada with her husband and two young sons.
She tells us; “My husband is Japanese, so I have had the privilege of traveling to Japan many times and I always return home full of inspiration from their beautiful culture. I appreciate the Japanese philosophy of 侘寂 wabi-sabi and how it is reflected in the slow-paced, handmade nature of printmaking. I find beauty and serenity in the little imperfections of each one-of-a-kind print.”
As a mum of a 5-year-old and 2-year-old boys, Victoria doesn’t get a whole lot of time to herself, and printmaking is her way to recharge. She comments; “It’s my “me” time and my creative outlet”. Victoria conducts most of her printmaking at night after her kids are in bed; “This way I don’t get interrupted. I like to work with a cup of tea and I’m always listening to the Swish and Flick podcast while I work.”
Planning out a new project begins with a lot of daydreaming. Victoria mulls ideas over in her head long before they reach paper. She draws out ideas mentally as she goes about her day, that way when she does have the time at night when her sons are asleep, she can get to work and a lot of the planning has begun. “I think time restraints make me more productive,” says the printmaker.
Victoria’s favourite printmaking tools and materials include Woodzilla hand press, Flexcut Premium Micro carving tools, Cranfield and Speedball Professional oil-based ink, Speedball easy carve blocks, and watercolour paper for printing.
www.victoriayahara.ca
@victoriayaharastudio
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