If you have ever won a random prize package from Okazu, you may have received a postcard by the artist Eri Kamijo. I have a particular fondness for her work and every time I’m in Japan, I haunt the local Tokyu Hands for postcards by her, then I scan the images in for my screensaver and give the cards away. ^_^

There are many things I like about Kamijo’s work and I’m not entirely sure I can articulate them all. She enjoys drawing women, and it shows.  Her line work is appealing, her use of color is joyful and delicate. She draws with an adult sensibility, eschews service for beauty and shows women as strong, cute, bold, magical. A nice chunk of her art is Yuri-ish.

I discovered her artbook GIRLS while shopping at my local Mitsuwa bookstore and fairly shrieked with joy. When I opened the book up, I was blown away by a few of the pieces, and was thrilled at the whole. You can see some of her work here on her Gallery, including Madoka Magica fan art. The book includes other derivative works, such as pictures of Hatsune Miku and a Safire from Ribon No Kishi  that was created for Osamu Moet Moso Motto.

I’m sitting here paging through this book…again… and oohing and ahhing over the pictures, even as I write this review. If you like beautiful design, clean, attractive, elegant art, effective use of color and  appealing women, I highly recommend Eri Kamijo’s work.

Ratings:

Art – 10

I love this book.^_^

Thanks to Liz, who found this on Amazon.com as well: Girls – Eri Kamijo Illustrations Art Book. (The price includes its ride over from Japan.)