Iki Yasuo - Artist

Iki Yasuo a.k.a "Mr Doodle" is an artist with a simple yet unique style. You could identify one of his artworks from a mile away! He finds his inspiration in his surfing environment and the natural world around him.
Passionate about natures shapes and textures, his modern graffiti and detailed style reflects his deep creative connection to making art and the ocean world. He has drawn on almost any surface there is to draw: from a cloth, a piece of wood or a surfboard, to a wetsuit. 

When and where did you start surfing?

I started surfing in Hawaii fifteen years ago.

What is that you love about surfing?

Too much. Haha ;) I love the freedom I experience while I surf. The sliding across the wave and everything else - it’s so much fun!

When did you start drawing?

I started 5 years ago. I never learned art at a school, I'm an outsider ;)

It all started with a doodle I drew for my Spanish friend on a surf trip 5 years ago. He posted it on his social media platform. It turned out that some people that organised art and surf festivals in Australia (Byron Bay) saw it and contacted me to see if i was interested in joining their art show.

I jumped on board and haven’t stopped working on my art ever since!

Is this something that you've always wanted to do as a career?

No, doing this for a career is something I never considered before. I started painting in 2011, and joined a Byron Bay Surf Festival in 2012. The ball started to roll from there as I started receiving offers from galleries around the world: Hawaii, New York, Mexico…

What inspired you to become an artist?

I went on a surf trip and fell in love with the beautiful scenery, the people and the surfers dancing on the waves. I was hooked and I knew I had to channel that good energy into art.

Do you want to communicate anything particular through your art?

My art basically says "Love" and "Fun".

What 3 words would best describe your style?

Simple, fun and love

Do you have a piece that stands out as your favourite? Or holds a particular sentimental value to you?

The artwork that left the biggest impression on me was "Love Anchor" .

I tried to transmit the concepts of "Love" and "Ocean".

What do you like most about your job as an artist?

The exhibition. It is a great experience to get your art and work out there and get feedback from people, see their reactions. Participating in exhibitions around the world has given me the chance to travel a lot. And I love it!

It’s fun meeting people from other countries and being able to surf at the same time! ;))

Do you have any advice for any aspiring artists/ illustrators/ designers out there?

I think that artists should travel a lot, it allows you to experience various cultures, beautiful sceneries and all sorts of kind people. You also get a lot of good vibes and good waves!

Any exciting projects coming up?

I’m going on a world exhibition tour, which is really exciting! Some of the places i will be exhibiting at are New York, California, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, etc.

I also have an exhibition coming up in October, in Deus, Bali.

It’s so cool that I get to show my art in many different places around the world!

Where can we find you online?

Posted by: Marta Gallardo, on July 21, 2016
Categories: Interviews

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