Floating World Illustrations
Artist Michael Wandelmaier Creates Japanese-Inspired Images
Michael Wandelmaier is a Toronto-based illustrator and graphic designer. Though formally trained as a civil engineer and geologist, Wandelmaeir instead chose to pursue a career in the arts. He uses both traditional and digital media to create his Asian-inspired illustrations and characters. The illustrations of Michael Wandelmaier strongly reference Japanese painting and printmaking, particularly the Meiji and Edo painting styles and woodblock printing known as ukiyo-e. The literal translation of ukiyo-e is pictures of the floating world which could also best describe the art of Michael Wandelmaier.
Trend Themes
1. Asian-inspired Illustrations - Developing new techniques and styles that fuse traditional Asian art with contemporary illustration methods.
2. Digital Mixed Media Art - Exploring the possibilities of combining traditional artistic techniques with digital tools to create unique and captivating visuals.
3. Cultural Influence in Art - Using art as a medium for cross-cultural exploration and expressing the interconnectedness of different artistic traditions.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Art - Opportunities to disrupt the fine art industry by introducing innovative approaches to traditional art forms.
2. Graphic Design - Incorporating Asian-inspired elements and techniques into graphic design to create visually striking and culturally diverse designs.
3. Publishing and Printing - Applying the techniques of Japanese woodblock printing and ukiyo-e to revolutionize printing and publishing industries.