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SinistrosePhosphate — Kureha - Hitoshi
#backpiece #isshi #japan #kagrra #kirigami #koifish #papercutting #tattoo #visualkei #visualrock #fukayayuichiro #koifishtattoo #yuichirofukaya #fanart #papercraft #papercuttingscherenschnitte
Published: 2016-05-21 04:57:52 +0000 UTC; Views: 1723; Favourites: 36; Downloads: 2
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Description
“... And if you're not sure if you have the courage to take the next step forward towards the future, remember my voice."The Japanese rock band Kagrra, has always been a source of my inspiration. And the leader of the band, a man who goes by the name of Isshi, was the heart and soul of this group. The group bridged the very old and the very new; created a way for old poetry to be sung with the latest rock beats and introduced traditional instruments into the heart of metal. They followed in no-one else's steps but paved a way for others to follow suit. And their fearless leader was a humble man who wanted to inspire others to believe in themselves. Unfortunately, Isshi was taken away from us entirely too soon. He passed away suddenly in 2011 at the age of 32 with an undisclosed cause.
One thing that has always fascinated me was his chosen stage name, Isshi. The kanji is written as 一志 , meaning "One will". And that is indeed how he lived his life, with one will towards what he wanted to do. His will led us into sharing his vision of a world where time is not just a straight line forward. When we reach back to embrace our past, we also accelerate towards a new future.
The legend of the koi fish has very similar themes as well. The lowly fish swims upstream and battle the currents through their sheer willpower, all in order to reach the waterfall at the end and that one chance where they could leap over that waterfall and become immortalized as dragons. The fishes' will and determination is rewarded with shedding their fins and taking to the air. I cannot find a better representation of this veritable rock legend and his "one will" that brought us something that we have never seen before. And just as the koi fishes, his legacy and his music will be immortalized through the ages.
Artist's Note
1. Pattern credit: The incomparable Fukaya Yuichiro, for the equally incomparable Kagrra,. More information here: www.ne.jp/asahi/hard/pain/
2. Equipment: Cutting board, artisan cutting blade (#11)
3. Paper: Main body: 80lb (215gsm) cardstock. Colour inset: Chiyogami origami paper, approx 32lbs (120gsm).
4. Size: 4.5"x 6.5"(11.43 cm x 16.51 cm)
5. Time: 4 days of on and off work.
6. Completed for 's "Iconic Tribute Contest" Iconic Tribute Contest
7. Want to know more about the life and times of this extraordinary person? Please read commemorative article here: www.jame-world.com/us/articles… I also highly encourage you to listen to their music!
P.S.: You might also be wondering what the title actually means. Kureha (red leaves) is a series of paper-cutting projects with a similar aesthetic that I am hoping to develop. And Hitoshi (one will) is Isshi's birth name; Shinohara Hitoshi. If you like this work, please be patient with me and support the Kureha series in the future!
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Comments: 58
Thank you very much for your very kind words. I don't think I've got more patience than anyone else... but instead of using adult colouring-books, I cut paper instead as a way to de-stress and meditate. It works out great for me and I would actually recommend this to other people as well. 
Thank you in advance for visiting. I hope not to disappoint you!
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I think we all have our patience in different area's! I don't think I should try papercutting, I am a clumsy person and my paper would not remain as nice as yours!
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I definitely believe that. I have absolutely no patience tuning in to watch a TV show day after day. But lots of people I know follow shows!
I am usually a pretty clumsy person as well. But when it comes to paper... I like to think it's pretty forgiving. But I agree with you - not every craft is suited for everybody. My sewing ability isn't exactly what I'd call great!
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Yeah, to each their own! It's a great way to have everybody make their own creations!
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Exactly!
And I am really glad that we have a community where crafters of all kinds can come together and share ideas and comments!
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Yes! The community is what has kept me on dA for all these years!
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Absolutely! Can't agree with you more.
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Amazing!!!
I can't imagine the patience (and steadiness of hand) this must have taken.
The framing is perfect as well - the simple frame makes the artwork stand out. Well done! 
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Thank you very much for your very kind words.
I am really glad to hear that you liked this piece. And thank you very much for your comment on the frame as well. It was meant to be something temporary. But now I guess I should make it permanent!
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You should - it fit's the piece 
I took the time to take a stroll along your other works and found you're very good. I especially love your paper work. The doll house is positively creepy and the lament configuration looks more like a wood carving. Very craftily done!
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Thank you for that suggestion!
Thank you very much for taking the time to stroll through my gallery. I am very flattered! And thank you very much for your very kind words. I am really glad to hear that you like what I do. I will do my best to keep presenting the best I can do to the community!
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This is papercut??? (O0O) it's I N C R E D I B L E. I totally thought it was a painting *O*
I really like the inspiration you had for this piece, I myself used to be a major Kagrra fan and your words moved me
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Yes, indeed! Everything you see is paper (including the red part - which is coloured, screen-printed paper).
Thank you very much for your kind comment. It's nice to know that I can still reach out to other Kagrra, fans out there! 
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I thought it was drawn, I had to read the others comments to get you used papercut technique! o.0
Wow, the color is so vibrant the koi seems ready to escape from the skin to swim away! I like the idea of framing it with a very simple frame to make it stand out, it's a little masterpiece. Well done.
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You are definitely not alone. A lot of people believe this was drawn or painted. (Most of my commentators seem to think it's something else other than just paper... 
... except for the frame. That's plastic.
I am very glad to hear that you like it. I love fish and koi fish are very nice to work with. That's why I do my best to use them as much as I can. The frame was something temporary. But I have received a lot of good response from it. So I am probably going to keep this frame for this piece for the future.
Once again, thank you!
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This is a papercut?!? WOW, it`s amazing! Are the red parts another paper, too, or are they painted?
I like the concept that the person itself only has the black outlines while the fish is red
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Yes, indeed: this is a paper cut!
The red part is something called "chiyogami" paper, which is paper that has been screen-painted in different colours. Everything you see on the page is made of paper, no other medium involved.
Thank you very much for your very kind words. I am really glad to know that you like the concept behind this piece. I am hoping to make it into a series soon! Please wait for me!
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Wait, are you joking, this is a papercutting? This is simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! No, seriously, this precision is simply stunning, because I thought that it is a drawing, the same as previous commentators. I also love the story for making this piece, it gives even more depth to your art. I think I will check their music, have never heard about them before.
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No, no! Not joking at all. Everything you see on the page is made of paper (except for the frame. That's plastic...
Thank you so much for your very kind words. And thank you for your support of the piece! I am always really touched when people take the time to read the comments (I am notorious for long-winded comments...
So once again, thank you so very much!
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In my opinion, it is always cool, when there is some background to creating something, reading such kind of stuff is really inspiring.
You're welcome, and keep up the great job!
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I like to read the comments from other people, too. I think by listening to what the artist has to say, we find out more ways to appreciate the work by itself. That's why I usually write a long-winded commentary (and I usually include all the technical details.) Unfortunately, it seems not everyone is interested in reading them. So I always appreciate those who do!
Thank you once again. I will do my best!
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I am amazed that this is papercutting.. good job! Great attention to detail. And I love the story behind it. I also love the collage framed and unframed. I think it is a good choise to show both, since they are both giving a totally different feeling. I do think however your picture with the framed one would have done it a bit more justice if you used a plain backround, white or black. (my eye keeps catching the livingroom etc)
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Hello!
Thank you very much for your very kind words! Knowing that you have read through the comments has made my day. It's very heartwarming to know that someone cared enough about the work to see what I had to say about it.
Thank you very much for the commentary on the presentation as well. I am always looking for a good way to present my pieces. So knowing this "free float vs framed" look works out is nice. It means it'll be something I will work on more in the future. And thank you for that commentary about the background in the photo as well. I am sorry that it's so distracting!
Once again, than you so very much for your helpful comments! And thank you for your support!
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You are welcome!! And yes I know what you mean about having to make due with little space.. I actually just use a piece of black cardboard paper wich I hang on my wall
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Thanks very much for the tips!
I didn't have much floor space, either, but sticking something to the wall is definitely something I could have tried. So thank you very much for the tip! Hopefully I'll have this problem fixed next time!
Thank you very much for your encouragement!
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No problem at all.. glad that I could give you some usefull tips! I have noticed that you are giving very thoughtfull tips, feedback and comments to others.. so in my opinion not only your work at is's self absolutely deserves attention, feedback and time to really look at (!) but also you as a person, as a fellow artist who is taking the time to really appriciate and look at the work of others. So keep it up, all around!
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I try my best with comments. I don't have a lot of time to come up with as many of them as I wish, but whenever I can, I try my best. I believe that since I love getting thoughtful and useful comments, others must be the same.
So thank you very much for your kind words! I will continue to do my best.
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I honestly thought this was a painting. It doesn't look like the papercutting I've seen before, and I've seen a lot. Glorious work! I especially love the depth and boldness, and the simplicity of it is a great balance. This could have easily become too busy . The play on the curves is wonderful. The fish twisting in the opposite direction of the figure is an excellent touch. It shows moving away but working together really well. Also, excellent decision right there with the matting and framing. It provides even more depth to the piece and a greater focus on the center without overwhelming.
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There is an international papercutting community and we all specialize in something slightly different. I am sure that the ones you have seen must be great, but we are probably not "walking the same path" as it were.
Thank you very much for the very kind words! As a person who enjoys looking at other people's tattoos (but is too chicken to get one of his own), a good back piece goes a long way. This was my attempt to recreate one of those really cool back piece in that traditional style. But you are right, it could get busy very easily. That's why only the fish is inlaid with colour. I thought I was being lazy and trying to be clever at the same time with that decision. But I am really glad to hear that it turned out! As for the framing... that was mostly an experiment. It's a temporary frame only "borrowed" for this project because I didn't quite know how to display this piece nicely. I am really glad to hear that you approve. It means I should probably make this "temporary" frame permanent.
Once again, thank you so very much for your very kind words!
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You are very welcome!
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Interestign and beautiful, I first thoght it looked like a linoleum print. I like how the coloured insert blends in with the black lines.
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Hello!
Thank you very much for your very kind words. I had no idea what a linoleum print was and had to look it up. I can actually see the resemblance!
I am really glad to know that you like the coloured inserts. I figured I was being lazy just doing one part of it (and being clever for wanting just the fish to stand out). So it's really nice to know things worked out well!
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I am happy that you liked my coment
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I most certainly do! Thanks again!
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Holy crap this is... gorgeous. I have a soft spot for koi, reading your description was beautiful
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Thank you so very much!
I love fish in general (both in the tank and on a plate! 
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Already missed your skill with paper! 
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It hasn't been -that- long, has it?
I am really glad to know you like this one, though. And we'll have more like this one soon! In the meantime... thanks for your support!
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Yeah you're lucky, I was about to press the "unwatch" button 
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You gotta keep me on my toes, my friend! That's the way to do it! 
... I know, I know. If I delay too much, you're really going to hit that unwatch button. You told me already!
... I haven't completely decided how many of these projects I want to do yet. But I'm already working on the next one!
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Amazing work
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Thank you very much for your very kind words!
I am hoping to develop this kind of aesthetic into a series of ATC-style cards in the future. So hopefully I will be able to present something interesting to you in the near future. (But please be patient with me!
I still listen to Kagrra,'s music obsessively. And I try to keep what Isshi said to his fans in mind whenever I run into fits and bouts of depression and artist block. He's definitely one of my long-time muses, and this tribute is the least I can do for him.
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I will be patient, it will be very interesting to see 
That is lovely, and it's great to know where your inspiration come from
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Thank you in advance for your patience! 
I will work very hard on this project because it means a lot to me personally!
And I am very glad to be able to share one of my long-term muses with you. If you have a chance to listen to their music, I hope you will like them, too.
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Absolutely 
I may listen to them, I haven't been listening to new music in a while
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Thank you for your encouragement! I am trying to play out the whole series before jumping into them. I have about maybe 10 in total (that sounds like a good number, right? 
If you are interested in listening to their music, some good singles to start with are: Utakata (うたかた), Sarasouju no Komoriuta (沙羅双樹の子護唄), Urei (愁) and the harder-sounding but iconic Kotodama (恋綴魂). They can all be found on Youtube. And if you like the music, please explore further!
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It sounds like a big number, big enough to look interesting together but not too many to drive you crazy
I will keep those songs for when I have the time!
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