“Journey Across Japan in Tsukuba” ended successfully with a total of 107 entries and exhibits, and approximately 1,500 people who supported and participated.
This time, we spoke to Kasumi Yamazaki, who won the semi-grand prize, about her daily life and works.
Q. Congratulations on winning the runner-up!
Please let us know if you have any thoughts or themes behind the works exhibited this time.
-For the work that won the runner-up prize this time, I wanted to depict the colors and atmosphere of late autumn, when the autumn leaves are in their final stages.
The trees on both sides of the river are dyed red and yellow, and the view of the river reflecting those colors and the color of the sky in the afternoon sun leaves an impression that is more like a scene than a landscape.
Q. All of Mr. Yamazaki's works were painted with vivid green colors, and the clear atmosphere that made you feel as if you were actually there was very nice. What made you start painting natural landscapes?
-I come from a rural area, so it's natural for me to be surrounded by nature, and I like it. I often feel a sense of déjà vu from scenery I've seen somewhere or while traveling, or I often draw natural scenery because it gives me a sense of peace. Recently, I often use my camera to take pictures of the scenery I see while walking my dog.
Q. It seems that you are particular about the techniques and charm of watercolors, but please tell us how you came to create them.
-Around 2016, I was freed from the constraints of work and had more free time, so I started taking lessons that I had always wanted to do.
I loved drawing, so I started attending colored pencil classes, which I found easy at first. I went there for about six months, but I felt like there was a limit to how much I could draw nature, so I stopped. About a year later, my desire to paint still remained, and around July 2018, I saw Toshiyuki Abe's watercolor paintings on the internet and was moved by the light, transparency, and realism that emerged from the paintings. .
After that, I applied to join the teacher's class and am still attending it. This October will mark 5 years since I started painting watercolors.
Q. Among the works exhibited this time, are there any that you have a particular fondness for? Please let me know if there is anything you are particular about.
-I like the work “Sharing Space”. This work won the Silver Prize at the 2022 "One Picture Sunday Painter Contest". I felt the strength and tenacity of the natural world, which tries to utilize even the smallest gaps in order to grow itself, and I liked the composition of this nature where we live together while sharing a space.
The entire painting is green, but I paid attention to the slightly different green color scheme for each.
Q. I understand that you participate in various exhibitions, but approximately how often do you create works?
- Previously, due to work commitments, I was finishing one piece a week. Lately, I've had more time, so I sometimes draw a size 6 size piece in three days, or two days at the earliest. Recently, I feel like I've finally found an environment where I can concentrate on drawing.
Q. Wow, I'm overwhelmed by your ability to continue doing this every day. Mr. Yamazaki, do you have any plans for exhibitions or events in the future?
-I think all the artists share the same feeling that they want as many people as possible to see their work because they have taken the pains to create it. I would like to hold a solo exhibition or a joint exhibition with others so that as many people as possible can see it, but I think it would be difficult to do it alone as an amateur. Currently, I am submitting my works to public exhibitions held by various organizations.
-I'm looking forward to seeing your work at a solo exhibition! Thank you for your cooperation in today's interview. Please also check out Yamazaki's Instagram.
"Late Autumn River View"
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