Pen Still Writes.

[ All images ©Tatsuro Kiuchi ]

I am fortunate to have learned of the superb work of award-winning Japanese illustrator Tatsuro Kiuchi. I was recently introduced to his work by my friend Laura Ottina of Animalarium where she featured his illustrations for the beautiful children’s book, Dogs Love People, written by Kengo Ishiguro. I was immediately taken in by Tatsuro’s strong but delicate aesthetic, spare compositions and fantastic textures and stylized painterly forms. He is truly gifted in his knack for communicating so much in such an economic manner, a frequent hallmark of Japanese imagery. Tatsuro’s admiration for Ukiyo-e woodblock prints is evident in his compositions and use of color but with a contemporary interpretation. Remarkably, his work is created entirely through digital means.

Last month I received Pen Still Writes, a book featuring a large number of his exquisite monochrome illustration works. Included above is the book cover plus samples of similar styled illustrations to those in the book. The book itself was created as a demonstration sample to promote on-demand printing. So unfortunately, that means it is not for sale at any bookstores. However, Tatsuro will send you a signed copy for the price of worldwide express shipping + handling which means you will receive it very quickly (in time for Christmas). That is how I received mine and I highly recommend you secure a copy. This “picture” book is dense with eye candy. In fact, 94 black/white illustrations and 193 pages worth. The book is perfect bound and includes a jacket with a subtle spot varnish of the title repeated over the image which makes a lovely touch.

“These works represent various novels written by various writers, that have appeared in newspapers and monthly and weekly magazines. All the illustrations listed in this book were created digitally with Adobe Photoshop.

Along with being the name of my studio, the title “Pen Still Writes”, alludes to the literature I illustrate.” –Tatsuro Kiuchi

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>> See more of Tatsuro’s illustrations including his lively color works on his website + flickr.
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>> Purchase Tatsuro’s prints at Heflinreps.
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Email Tatsuro at info[!at!]tatsurokiuchi.com to make arrangements to obtain your copy of Pen Still Writes for the price of shipping + handling or to inquire about any other works you do not see listed at the Heflinreps link above. Most all of his works are available for sale as prints.
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Psst… stay tuned early next year as Tatsuro is graciously allowing me to interview him whilst featuring more of his extensive portfolio here on AQ-V.
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