Today, we spoke to Rika Otomo , an artist who is currently very active at FROM ARTIST.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview!
Rika Otomo , I heard that you graduated from Tama Art University with a major in graphic design and completed the Graduate School of Fine Arts at the same university, but when did you first become interested in art?
There was an oil painter who lived near my parents' house, and I remember, even as a child, watching his apprentice carrying large canvases and thinking, ``How cool.'' That may be the first.
It's a very nice environment. Even in the most ordinary moments of everyday life, there are unforgettable events. So please tell us about your current work style and how you arrived at it.
At my preparatory school before entering art school, I was given a topic about ``turning images into paintings.'' I was very nervous because my work would be reviewed in front of all the students. However, there was a lecturer who complimented my drawings at that time. I was so happy that my 18-year-old daughter, who had always had anxiety and fear about going into art, cried. At that time, I never thought that it would lead to my own style of expression, but I think that was the first time that I felt pleasure in drawing what was in my head. After that, when I entered art school and was painting figurative watercolors, I thought, ``This is different,'' so I started creating abstract works using lithographs and silkscreens. Why was it abstract? Now that I think about it, in the design department I had to create something that would please and benefit people, rather than just creating works based on images in my head, so I wanted to bring out my inner self. Maybe desire made me do it. I didn't continue making prints because I felt like I was making them by calculating rather than intuitively, but abstract expression felt really good to me, so I've continued with it. I think my experience at the preparatory school had an influence on me.
It certainly takes a lot of courage to express what's in your head. I am deeply moved by the fact that Rika Otomo's wonderful experiences have led her to where she is today.
You have said that you get your creative energy from nature, time, memory, sound, etc. What has inspired you lately?
Natural light and the music I used to listen to. When I heard "White ligtning" by "Monochrome set" for the first time in a while, I thought, "Oh, I should draw something like this." Not only music, but also natural objects and sounds are connected to memories and bring back the feelings I had at that time. It feels like the way I felt in the past and what's in front of me now are intertwined to create a painting. By the way, the title of the work at that time was "White ligtning" because it was an homage.
I don't think much has changed, but it may be easier than before.
The fact that it has become easier is proof that I have had a lot of self-reflection.
Does Rika Otomo have any particular preferences when producing?
I used to draw at night, but recently I only draw during the day. It's like putting down my brush when the sun goes down. lol
Do you have a favorite color? Please tell me the reason!
That's a difficult question. I like each one in its own way. But maybe it's white because I use white a lot?
White is a wonderful color that can be dyed with anything.
So, are there any paintings or works of art that you have seen that have influenced you or that you respect?
Segantini's ``Midday in the Alps'', which I saw when I was 10 years old, was the first unforgettable painting I ever saw. After growing up, I grew up with Milo, Klee, etc.
I saw the work in the middle of the day in the Alps, and it was so delicate yet powerful and deep, it felt like I was standing there and surrounded by the clear air...it felt like it was inside my body. I had a feeling that it was coming. I can see why Rika Otomo's eyes are drawn to her.
Rika Otomo, are there any expressions or themes that you would like to try in the future?
Most of my works are small, but I would like to try larger ones as well.
Do you have any interests or hobbies other than art?
I'm interested in stars and celestial bodies. I'm not a maniac though. I also like walking.
Finally, please tell us your motto.
"flow"
Title of work: Something nearby
Work URL: https://from-artist.com/products/sobaniarumono
List of works: https://from-artist.com/collections/ootomorika
Author: RIEKO
FROM ARTIST management staff. I manage SNS and create feature articles. We support operations from the perspective of art lovers.
Supervisor: Shoma Toida
CEO of BUSCA LLC. FROM ARTIST business manager. Started his career as a marketer, gained experience at a business company and advertising agency, and then became independent. Completed marketing-related programs at multiple graduate schools and business schools, including the University of California, Berkeley and London Business School. He also studied the MBA Core Curriculum at Macquarie University and the importance of art in education at the University of British Columbia.