Today, we spoke to ``michi yamamura,'' who creates works every day while balancing her work as an actress and artist.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to participate in the interview!
I believe you have had a brilliant career as an announcer and actress, but what made you decide to become an artist?
It all started when I was invited by an artist director from my NY days who now lives in Japan to exhibit at a painting exhibition. I knew that he was painting in New York, but I think there was another reason as well.
She later told me that she had hoped that painting would help her recover from the deep sadness she felt after losing her husband in December of the year before last.
Also, my mother, who passed away this year, was an undisputed genius at drawing, and I regretted not becoming a painter. At some point, I may have wanted to carry on my mother's wishes.
There are various thoughts and connections with people from the past that are connected to my current artistic activities.
By the way, are there any similarities between your acting career and your artist career?
It's the same thing in terms of expressing yourself, but actresses work with many co-stars and staff, and painting is a process in which they face themselves.
However, one thing they may have in common is that they want to dig deep into their souls.
Please tell us about your current work style and how you arrived at it.
The drawings I was drawing at school in New York were figurative drawings that were faithful to the objects, but from that time on I had a desire to express myself internally.
Then, with this art exhibition as an opportunity, I decided to try abstract painting, and discovered that it liberated my mind and that it suited me.
You learned painting at an art school in New York, but what impressions did you get from actually studying there? Please let us know if you have any memorable anecdotes.
First of all, what I thought was different from Japan is that the people who learn are free. They range from the young to the elderly, who are nearly 90 years old, and while some are professionals, there are also those who, objectively, fall into the category of ``bad'' artists who lack the talent for drawing. However, everyone was confident and respected each other.
Actually, that was the case at drama school as well. I went to a drama school for a while, but I saw an elderly man who couldn't do acting at all, but he was happily learning how to act.
Everyone really enjoyed drawing and acting freely.
Also, there was an exhibition at my school in New York, and my teacher told me that this painting was amazing and I should exhibit it, so I exhibited a painting. A buyer quickly arrived and offered an unexpectedly high price. However, for me, it was a picture of a memory and I didn't sell it, but New Yorkers were overflowing with the feeling of buying the students' drawings, supporting them, and helping them grow.
At that time, he said to me, ``This painting is amazing! I definitely want to buy it!'' and it continues to be an encouragement to me.
Do you feel that there is a gap between the artistry and attitude toward each artist's work when it comes to foreign art and Japanese art?
I never really thought about that when I was in New York, so I don't know.
Is there anything you keep in mind when creating your works?
Since the premise is that the painting will be displayed in someone's home or room, I hope that the person will be happy, that good luck will come to them, that their heart will be healed, and that they will be saved. I draw while thinking about it. By remembering this, you will also be healed.
Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
That's what I don't understand.
I don't know what I'm trying to draw until I start drawing, and as I draw, inspiration comes to me.
Are there any expressions or themes you would like to try in the future?
Someday, I would like to try my hand at a big piece.
Do you have any interests or hobbies other than art?
My main job is as an actress.
In addition, I published the essay ``7 Second Hug'' (Gentosha) a year ago, and am also a writer. I also started singing chansons.
When it comes to art, I think those experiences will live on.
My hobbies include jazz dancing, watching soccer games, and playing with my two dogs.
Lastly, do you have any motto or other words that guide your life?
Happiness cannot be achieved just by being satisfied with something. This means that you can only become happy by bringing happiness to others other than yourself.
If someone can look at my art and feel happy, healed, or feel energetic, I think that will be true happiness for me.
Introducing the works featured on FROMARTIST
Title: Lost in Togenkyo
Detail page URL: https://from-artist.com/products/tougenkyounimayoikomu
List of works: https://from-artist.com/collections/michi-yamamura