THE PROCESS:
I have been working consistently with paintings that have challenged us to examine ourselves through the juxtaposition of different images together. In particular, my drawings attempt to combine disparate elements together which create degrees of humor and tension simultaneously, for example; sexiness and innocence.
My works are primarily painted with Japanese ink and acrylic paint on paper.
How did you get interested in art?
I started drawing and painting since I was a little kid. This was the way to devote and express myself and communicate to others. Then, as I got to know various kinds of artworks and the ways of expression by artists in all ages and places, I’ve been gradually attracted by art. It made me think that I could chase my own expression without setting a goal in my life.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I often get inspired when I play with ink. When I look at the colour on paper and the natural shape of brush strokes, I come up with ideas. Also, I try to look at things around me carefully, for instance people, plants, animals, insects, advertisements and so on. In addition, I get tips from old Japanese paintings that I admire for their compositions and techniques.
What are you most proud of in your life?
I’m proud of friends who learn and enjoy art together with me, gallerists who I work with and my family who always encourages me. Thanks to them, I consistently keep challenging and producing my works. Although I still have a long way to go, I would like to keep up and brush up my work with them.
This is her beautiful Drawing “On The Way Home”
300 USD (2089DKK)
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Who are your favourite contemporary artist?
Marlene Dumas, Annette Messager, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Francoise Petrovitch first of all. I admire their powerful and consistent attitude toward their work. I also follow contemporary Asian artists, Reiko Ikemura, Yuko Murata, Nalini Malani, Rina Banerjee, Yee Sookyung, and Pinaree Sanpitak. I respect their style pursuing techniques and facing their identity, background and history.
How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is a fusion both in the way of expression and technique. The basic idea of my work is to examine oneself through the juxtaposition of different images/ideas together; such as human beings and animals/plants, men and women, strength and fragility, and similar themes that evoke ambiguous boundaries. In technique, I combine different materials together, Japanese ink and acrylic paint. I feel that it reflects my life -I was born in Japan and studied art in London.
Did you attend art school or are you autodidact?
I studied art both in Tokyo and London. In London, I attended fine art course at a university for 2 years and explored my own themes and expression. I achieved current style up to a point when I was there. It was a significant time for me to spend 2 years in London so that I could face myself and my work objectively.
What do you do besides being an artist?
I am an art-lover, not only an artist, so I go to galleries and as many museums as possible. I like to see art from all over the world. It’s interesting for me to know various expressions and the background behind them
What are your personal hopes and dreams?
Art is the way to connect the world for me. I have met a lot of people in many places since I started working as an artist. So I hope to have more opportunities to show my work all over the world and share ideas with many viewers from different backgrounds. I would be grateful if they enjoy my work, and also I believe the experience would develop my ideas.
Where do you show your works?
I usually have exhibitions in Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan. I have had a couple of solo exhibitions every year since 2011. The last spring, 2015, I had my first solo exhibition abroad in Taipei.
