Our new logo for Asian Heritage Month is a message of 'resilience, adaptability and hope'

For Kaori Izumiya, Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to "showcase the beauty and richness of Asian culture" — and she's created this logo design to mark the occasion.

Based in Montreal, Izumiya is a relative newcomer to the city. Born and raised in Japan, she studied art at the Tokyo University of the Arts, and she now works in animation as a background painter — in addition to making paintings and prints of her own. Elegant portraits of modern women are a favourite subject in her artwork, and Izumiya often gets inspiration from the world around her.

"I moved to Montreal with the simple desire to pursue my art and creativity," she told us over email. "Although I was aware of the city's beauty and diversity, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of murals and street art that I encountered. Seeing these works of art on a daily basis has been a great inspiration for me and my own artistic practice." 

But what sparked the idea for her logo design? Read on.

Name: Kaori Izumiya

Age: 39

Homebase: Montreal

Let's talk about your design! What inspired the concept?

I was inspired by Japanese art and nature when creating my logo. I wanted to combine natural elements (such as sea waves and clouds) with a modern twist to create a design that was both visually striking and meaningful. Each element of my logo conveys an important message for our times: resilience, adaptability and hope for the future.

What does Asian Heritage Month mean to you?

As an Asian woman artist, participating in Asian Heritage Month is a special opportunity for me to celebrate and honour my heritage, and to showcase the beauty and richness of Asian art and culture. It also reminds me of the importance of staying connected to my roots and sharing them with others.

I hope that people will recognize the importance of Asian heritage beyond the month of May and continue to appreciate and learn about the contributions and diversity of the Asian community throughout the year.

What's the project you're most proud of?

It is hard to say which project I am most proud of because I am always proud of my work. However, one of my oil painting series is currently on display at the Wishbone Gallery in Montreal and I am particularly proud of that achievement.

What's new in your world? What are you working on at the moment?

I'm preparing for a duo show with Yukiko Hashizume that's part of Asian Heritage Month too.

What's your favourite place to see art?

While I do enjoy visiting museums and galleries, I also love exploring Montreal on foot to discover its vibrant street art scene.

Who's the last artist you discovered online?

I discovered the lovely artists Maylee Keo and Hiromitsu through Instagram.

What work of art do you wish you owned?

While I have a few Ukiyo-e prints in my collection already, I would love to own a Japanese Byōbu, or folding screen, and mask by Hiromitsu.

Find more from Kaori Izumiya on her website and Instagram. You can also see her artwork at Wishbone Gallery and the Conseil des art de Montréal, where her exhibition with Yukiko Hashizume (Bijin 美人 : beaute a la japonaise) is appearing May 4 to June 23.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.