Meet Yoko Kubrick | Sculptor and Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yoko Kubrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yoko, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I became interested in art as a child and was always captivated by all forms of art. I think it was my childhood living in diverse cultures, exploring nature, and a deep fascination with visual language that led me to become an artist. Growing up across contrasting environments of Guam, Hawaii, California, and my father’s homeland, the former Czechoslovakia, I found myself drawn to the way visual art can communicate subtle aspects of culture.

In the tropics of Polynesia and Micronesia, the visual language was raw, reflecting aspects of the natural world; for instance, Tiki sculptures, often carved from locally sourced wood, mirrored the shapes found in plant forms. In Prague, a world apart from island culture, I encountered the Art Nouveau movement. While also reflecting nature, it presented a more distilled visual language.

Originally inspired by Japanese artwork, Art Nouveau consists of stylized and abstracted visions of nature, and it was fashionable in Prague and across Europe. Being half Japanese and half Czech, I found a sense of belonging in Prague’s artwork. Discovering that Czech artists were influenced by Japanese creators, I felt a connection and identified with that work.

Today, much of my work reflects these themes, focusing on stylized forms from nature and exploring the visual language of flowers and natural elements. My art practice is largely focused on creating large abstract sculptures inspired by nature, which bridge the gap between the raw landscapes of nature and the built world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a sculptor, I am largely focused on creating large scale abstract works inspired by nature for gardens and outdoor spaces. I am most proud and excited about the work that I have produced for public art exhibitions such at the Decorator Showcase and Filoli Historic Gardens and very grateful for those opportunities.

With an art career it is essential to have a vision and goals to help you to realize your vision. You have to have low time preference, patience and perseverance. Artists careers tend to have a different trajectory to mainstream jobs and some years you will grow in leaps and bounds an other years you may have setbacks. What helps is having an unbridled passion for your work, a passion that can carry you through difficult times.

Maintaining curiosity, continually refining your style and keeping yourself inspired are to further are all essential attributes of a successful artist. The most valuable lesson I have learned is to set goals, have a vision and consistently put in the work. Find joy in your life’s work. See your goal, envision your goals in front of you and keep taking steps toward reaching those goals. Fall in love with the process of creating art and the journey towards your goal. Then each day is fulfilling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite Places to Visit: Hammer Museum
Getty Villa
Will Rogers State Park
Solstice Canyon in Malibu
Zuma Beach (for an evening walk)
Malibu Farmers Market (held every Sunday)
The Getty Center

Cool Shops / Art Galleries:
Tortoise General Store
Chariots on Fire
Obsolete Inc.
David Kordansky
Blum and Poe
Hashimoto Contemporary
Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery

Restaurants and Cafés:
Urth Caffé in Santa Monica (for breakfast)
Farmshop at the Brentwood Country Mart
Skylight Gardens Italian restaurant
SugarFish by Sushi Nozawa (in Santa Monica)
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles (Ramen restaurant)
Jackson Market Culver City (for omelettes and sandwiches)
Churros Calientes on Santa Monica Blvd
The Farm Café at Malibu Pier
Meet in Paris (a contemporary French bistro in Culver City)

Additional Suggestions:
Enjoy a picnic at one of the parks or beaches
Explore artistic shops in Venice Beach
Take a leisurely café vibe in Culver City

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a heartfelt shoutout to Maria Gamundi, a figurative sculptor originally from Venezuela, now residing in Pietrasanta, Italy. I am grateful for her friendship and mentorship throughout the years. Maria embodies the spirit of a true artist in all that she does and her wisdom on life, art and spirituality have had a lasting impression on my soul.

Website: www.yokokubrick.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yokokubricksculptor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yokokubrick/

Image Credits
#1,6,7,8 by Natalie Schrik except #2 &3 by Nicola Gnesi, 4 & 5 by Melissa McArdle.