“Japanese National Art Journey in Saitama” came to a successful conclusion thanks to the support and participation of many.
This time, we spoke to Grand Prix winner Makoto Hirasawa about his daily life and works .
- Congratulations on winning the Grand Prix!
Q． You won a prize at the last "Japanese National Art Journey in Tsukuba", but how did it feel to win the Grand Prix at this exhibition?
- Actually, the last Japan National Art Trip in Tsukuba was my first challenge to a public exhibition. Since the University of Tsukuba is my alma mater, I felt a sense of affinity with it, so I applied. The prize-winning work ``Sunny Downtown Tokyo'' was one of my favorites, so I was happy to receive positive feedback from the audience. On the other hand, after seeing the works that won the Grand Prix and the Semi-Grand Prize, I felt a strong desire to aim for them next time. I am very happy that this year's work that embodies these feelings has been selected for the Grand Prix. I consider myself lucky that the exhibit was displayed in a highly visible location right next to the reception desk.
Q． Since winning the prize at the last exhibition, have there been any changes in the reactions of those around you or in the production of your paintings?
- This work depicts a coffee shop that I found while walking along the post town street in Kitasenju with my family. There are an increasing number of shops that have renovated old houses into Showa retro shops, and this shop is one of them. I thought it was a very interesting motif. I thought the large wall clock, the objects shaped like soft serve ice cream, and the red bench with the Coke logo were very interesting. Another reason I wanted to draw this scene was a young couple sitting at a table in front of the store, having a friendly conversation.
- By painting landscapes that everyone has seen at least once in pale yet profound watercolors, you are able to capture the hearts of everyone who touches your works.
Q． What made you start painting with watercolors? Please tell us how you became interested in painting and if you have any particular preferences for watercolors!
- After graduating from university, I got a job at a company called Recruit and was involved in the production of job advertisements. Since the age of 42, I have continued to work independently creating web advertisements. However, due to the coronavirus, my work has decreased significantly, and at that time, in early May 2021, I was casually browsing the bookshelf at BOOKOFF near my house, and my eyes were drawn to a book by watercolor artist Yuko Nagayama. became.
I was surprised and wondered, ``How can you draw such attractive pictures?''
Just then, my daughter called me and asked me, ``Dad, it's your 65th birthday tomorrow, what gift would you like for me?'' At that time, I jokingly told her that I would like to try my hand at watercolor painting. Then, on the day of my birthday, an F10 sketchbook and Holbein transparent watercolors were sent to me by courier. That's how I decided to start watercolor painting.
- Thank you for such a wonderful episode! There were two people who could be the trigger!
Q． I have the impression that most of Makoto Hirasawa's works are landscape paintings, but are there any important things or things you pay attention to when searching for subjects for your works?
- At first, I drew ornaments I had at home and flowers I bought at a flower shop. But I quickly got bored of it, and from then on, I started taking pictures with my smartphone of scenery I found beautiful or that made me feel nostalgic during my daily walks, and when I got home, I decided to turn them into paintings. My main premise has been to stick to the scenery that I was able to find and photograph myself. There are many photos of beautiful tourist attractions on the internet, but due to copyright issues, I am particular about drawing from the images I have on my smartphone. As for the main theme, we hope that you will be able to find landscapes that give you a nostalgic feeling that has not changed since then, as well as beautiful landscapes that change depending on the way the light hits them. Another thing I am conscious of is that I like landscapes that feature people, bicycles, cars, etc. as focal points. I believe that this creates a story in the painting and has the effect of stirring the imagination of the viewer .
Q． This is the last question! Are there any upcoming events or exhibitions you are planning to participate in? If you have anything you would like to share with everyone viewing FROM ARTIST, please let us know!
- On October 22nd, I applied to a large public exhibition where top-ranked entries would receive cash prizes. If it passes the preliminary round, it will be exhibited in Tokyo in February and Kansai in March. I would like to use FROM ARTIST's services more in the future, and I am also planning to apply for the 3rd Art Journey, so please continue to support me. Lastly, I will be posting my works on Instagram, so I would appreciate it if you could come and see them. Please search for @makoto.hirasawa1.
- Makoto Hirasawa, thank you for your cooperation in this Grand Prix interview. We are looking forward to your future activities!
A retro coffee shop in the downtown area
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