Today, we spoke to Koichi Nagasaki , an artist who is currently very active at FROM ARTIST.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview!
A quick question, how did you start drawing?
I was drawing pictures as early as I can remember.
My family was self-employed and my parents worked 24/7, so I often had to come up with my own ideas for playtime.
As a child, I loved imagining things, so I drew stories and imaginary worlds on the backs of flyers.
Since my childhood is my starting point, I think it's only natural that I continue to draw even now.
It's wonderful that the childhood games are still going on and you're still active as an artist.
So, what is the most impressive piece of art you have ever encountered and why?
This is a work called ``Omen'' by Manabu Ikeda.
I haven't seen the real thing yet, but it depicts a scene where waves are swallowing up a city and various other things.
It's detailed, dynamic, and simply impressive.
I saw it. It's a very moving work. I would also like to touch the real thing.
Are there any artists who have influenced you? What part influenced you?
As I mentioned in the previous question, I am the painter Manabu Ikeda.
You draw very detailed works with a pen.
I am influenced by the collage-like world in which the sea, trees, rocks, buildings, etc. are combined in my works.
You draw detailed landscape paintings using ballpoint pens. Could you tell us how you came up with this style?
It wasn't until I entered the workforce that I started painting landscapes like I do now.
I saw a variety of landscapes throughout my life, such as those around me and those I found while traveling or at new places of work, and realized that there were things that touched my heart and things that I wanted to express.
Initially, I used ballpoint pen drawings as sketches and colored them with watercolor pencils to create landscape paintings.
As I continued to draw, I started to enjoy the line drawings more and started finishing them only with a ballpoint pen.
As I continued to draw, I started to want to expand my world even more, so I started looking through art books and landscape photo books, and went to museums.
During that time, I learned about Manabu Ikeda's work and started wanting to paint my own world.
Up until then, my method was to print out enlarged landscape photos that I had taken and use them as reference when drawing.
Through trial and error, I created a way to create a collage by combining photos using an image editing app on my smartphone to create the image I wanted.
In that sense, by the time you start drawing on paper, about 70% of the work is already completed.
So, is there anything you keep in mind when creating your works?
I am particular about the originality of the images used to create the themes and images of my works.
There are copyright reasons, but the way I feel about the scenery I encounter when I go there is completely different.
Are you particular about ballpoint pens? If you think they are used differently, please let me know.
My favorite ballpoint pen is Zebra's Rubber 80.
I draw in a ballpoint pen style that resembles a pencil drawing (or so I think), so I'm very particular about how the ink comes out and how quickly it dries so it doesn't stick to my hands.
I had a plan to use it differently, but I basically drew it with only Zebra Rubber 80.
Sometimes I also use Zebra's Gymnock depending on my mood.
Is it Zebra rubber 80? I'm glad to know about Mr. Nagasaki's commitment to creating one-of-a-kind products.
You also paint fictional landscapes, where do you get your inspiration from?
When I go outside, all the scenery I encounter gives me inspiration.
Things like ``I can use this'' or ``Wouldn't it be interesting to combine this with this scenery''...I think about these things all the time, except when I'm spending time with my family or working.
As expected. He's a true artist.
Are there any expressions or themes you would like to try in the future?
I want to draw a big picture.
It's usually B4 size.
However, there are problems with work space and storage space, so this may just be a dream.
I am looking forward.
Mr. Nagasaki, do you have any interests or hobbies other than art?
I like music.
I listen to both Western and Japanese music.
I often listen to it while drawing.
I also like manga.
Finally, please tell us your motto.
"I think we both agree, but it's the role of those in higher positions. Both you and I have to think beyond the future. It's hard for ordinary people to understand, and they just laugh at us."
It's a line from a manga.
These are the words of the boss from the manga "Fable". I try to keep this in mind both when I'm working and when I'm painting.
I believe that the people who succeed are those who look ahead and prepare well.
Thank you for taking the time to answer the interview.
FROM ARTIST is looking forward to seeing Koichi Nagasaki's works in the future.
Title: Secret base
Detail page URL: https://from-artist.com/products/himitsukichi
List of works: https://from-artist.com/collections/nagasakikouichi