FROM ARTIST INTERVIEW-Tetsuya Suzuki & Naminami-

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────────FROM ARTIST INTERVIEW────────

"Tetsuya Suzuki x Naminami"

Tetsuya Suzuki...Suzu

Naminami…N

FROMARTIST staff...

──About yourself and your drawing style

vinegar

Thank you for joining us for this interview today!

This is the first time you two have spoken together, right?

bell

That's right. When I heard that I would be doing a conversation with Naminami, I thought that maybe her work style was the complete opposite of mine. It seems that in our first interview, we had chosen two artists with completely opposite personalities, so I thought, "Oh, I see."

vinegar

It's true that last time we chose to interview someone who paints abstract art and someone who paints concrete art! We previously interviewed Suzuki Tetsuya after he won the Runner-Up Prize at the 3rd "A Journey Through Japan's 47 Prefectures! Art Journey" in Kanagawa, so there may be some overlap this time, but we'd like to hear from him again.

3rd "Traveling Through All 47 Prefectures of Japan! Art Journey" in Kanagawa [Runner-up] Click here for the interview with the winner

So, may I start by asking you to give a brief introduction about yourself?

bell

I'm looking forward to working with you! It's been about two years since I started painting, and a year and a half since I started painting with acrylics. I'm still a rookie and there's a lot I don't know yet!

vinegar

In this past year and a half Did you start using paint?

bell

That's right. So I'm really trying out a lot of different things right now, and I'm in a period where I have a strong desire to do more and more. I'm not sure yet what the future holds for my art.

vinegar

If we were to compare it to a child, it would be like being about 3 years old, bursting with curiosity!

bell

I've only just started walking! I really feel like I'll be trying out a lot of different things from now on.

vinegar

What is the theme of your current painting in simple terms?

bell

I wasn't very physically strong since I was a child, so when I thought about drawing, I wanted to draw things about my own body, like my heart or kidneys. But if I drew them as they were, it would be gross, right? (laughs)

vinegar

It's true that people will either love it or hate it. (laughs)

bell

I draw them in my own cute way! The themes are related to the body, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and the heart, so I don't think I'll suddenly start drawing cats or dogs... in the future. I'm sure there are people who draw a variety of themes, but I would say that I tend to delve deeply into one theme, and I think that my style of work will continue to delve deeply into my own body.

vinegar

thank you.

Now, Naminami, please give us a brief self-introduction.

N

Yes. I've loved drawing since I was a child. When I was in high school, I joined the art club and started creating pictures as my own work. After that, I got a job in graphic design, which is where I am today.

Rather than painting, I've always been into design. It's only recently that I've started publishing my drawings online. One reason is that the COVID-19 pandemic began, and I started to feel financially anxious as work decreased in many areas, but at the same time, I felt like I was no longer able to create the things I wanted to create, so I thought, why not try drawing and creating the things I want to create and share them with the world? That's when I started.

As a result, I've started submitting my work to From Artists and have found more enjoyment in drawing.

vinegar

When you think about it, your path to drawing is different from Suzuki's. Drawing has become a part of your life.

N

Yes, although I'm not sure when I started drawing.

vinegar

In your case, Naminami, you work in graphic design. Is there any relationship between what you want to do and your job?

N

Nowadays, technology has advanced so much that anyone can easily design and the reactions to my work have changed a lot. Because of this, I started making things that I wanted to make, regardless of my job.

vinegar

Has your work changed in any way since the past?

N

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but I can really feel that my environment has changed.

──What made you start drawing?

bell

A friend of mine suggested that I try drawing, so I thought, "Well, maybe I should give it a try?" I'm an honest person, so that's how I started drawing. I never thought I'd draw, but I thought, "Maybe I should give it a try!"

vinegar

What was the conversation like before and after the "Why don't you try drawing it?" question?

bell

I wonder what it was. Maybe they were just talking? But I think it was amazing that he accepted it. It's rare to see someone like that, right? Someone who starts drawing after just one word.

I also started drawing pictures, I often suggest to people, "Why don't you try drawing?" But 99% of the time the answer I get is, "No, I'm not artistic." It's a cliché.

But I think people who draw will probably understand, but sometimes I think if you have an artistic talent, maybe you don't need to draw anymore. You can draw more interesting pictures and have more character if you don't have an artistic talent, right? Everyone thinks they shouldn't draw because they're bad at it. If you could draw well from the start, wouldn't you be a genius? That's simply not possible. I think that not having an artistic talent... may seem like an excuse, but it's not.

I think there's probably a different reason. Maybe I don't want people to think, "That person draws pictures like this!" or I'm embarrassed when people see my drawings. So I think it's a bit of a stretch to say I don't draw because I have no artistic talent.

vinegar

That's certainly true. It may be a little different, but when it comes to illustrations, even people who are considered bad at it can get work.

bell

That's right. So no matter what kind of picture I paint, it has its own flavor, and I'm sure there will be people out there who like that picture. However, if I don't like the picture myself, I don't think I can take the next step.

But I like to draw people who are looking at art into the world of art. The more I know someone, the more interested I become in what kind of paintings they create.

vinegar

By the way, are you still in contact with the friend who inspired you to start drawing?

bell

Yes. I've known him for a long time, and we've been friends for about 30 years. I used to be a salaryman, but I went independent in 2005... Next year will be about 20 years, and he's also been working freelance for that long, so we're very close.

vinegar

I see! Does your friend also draw pictures?

bell

I'm drawing a little bit here and there!

vinegar

Does that mean you draw as a hobby?

bell

Is it a hobby? I don't know because in the end, that person does a lot of different things. I'm the same, I actually do a lot of other work besides being an artist! I work as a photographer, I fly drones, and my main job is doing a lot of side jobs!

vinegar

That's amazing. You work in multiple fields.

bell

Yes! ...Or rather, I feel like I'm doing a lot of things because one thing didn't work out. And now I've added a new artist to the mix!

I also feel that my work as a photographer is being put to good use in my current paintings. The compositions I took on location, such as at Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, shrine visits, and children's birthday parties, are being put to good use in my current paintings. When I take pictures of children, I think I get ideas in my head about how cute their movements are. That comes out naturally in my paintings.

vinegar

You've done a lot of work! Now that you mention it, I feel like there's a childlike cuteness in your paintings.

bell

That's right. When I had a solo exhibition some time ago, a child who came to see my paintings named them "Covered." The characters I draw are cells, and the child used the word "covered" to describe the characters as being surrounded by cells and covered in them.

When I was taking the photos, the child would pop his head out from between the votive plaques at the shrine, and I think that's probably connected to the "covered" look...I thought that the cuteness I felt when I took the photo is now connected to the work.

vinegar

So that's how encounters happen.

What made you start drawing Naminami?

N

Well, as I briefly mentioned earlier, was it when I joined the art club after being praised for a drawing I made? Or was it when I started working as a designer? I don't know the exact timing.

Recently, I tried posting some of my drawings on a flea market website, wondering what would happen. I received a fair amount of feedback and praise, so I decided to take it up a notch and started posting my work on From Artists.

vinegar

I see! In Naminami's case...or rather, I think that this is probably the case for many artists, but there are also people who continue to create because they are happy when their expressions are accepted.

Naminami, do you also feel that strongly and continue to do so to this day?

N

I love making things, but I also love watching them... I create with the hope that I can become an artist that people will think, "I love watching (Naminami's) work."

vinegar

Do you also feel happy when you are praised, Suzuki?

bell

I'm so happy!!

vinegar

Will it lead to further motivation?

bell

I agree!

vinegar

This is just my personal opinion, but sometimes I think it must be quite tough to keep on painting without anyone praising you. In the past, there were painters who only got recognition after they died... When I think about how they continued to paint without anyone noticing until then, I think they must have had incredible tenacity.

bell

I can't stand it. One rabid fan is enough.

vinegar

You mean family members or strangers, right?

bell

Yes, one is enough.

vinegar

The weight of the words is incredible.

By the way, Suzuki-san, how much experience do you have with exhibitions?

bell

I recently held a solo exhibition, and also exhibited my work in From Artist's "A Journey Through Japan's 47 Prefectures! Art Journey" in Kanagawa...that's about it. My paintings aren't really suited to exhibitions.

I previously submitted my work to a famous public exhibition but it wasn't selected, and that's when I realised that my kind of painting doesn't get selected in places like this very often... I thought I had no choice but to hold solo exhibitions on my own. But being selected by visitors' votes for From Artist's "A Journey Through Japan's 47 Prefectures! Art Journey" was very encouraging for me.

The great teachers didn't choose my work, but I was happy that an ordinary person chose it. It gave me strength.

vinegar

That's great. It's a work that brings comfort to those close to you!

bell

Yes, that's right. I thought that was better. I'd be happier if ordinary people, rather than high-ranking professors, simply said, "That's great."

To be honest, I didn't think I would make it into the "Travelling around all 47 prefectures of Japan! Art Journey" at all. I thought it would be a failure, but when I heard that I had been selected, I was so happy!

Also, being interviewed as a winner allowed me to once again fully understand the meaning of the pictures I was drawing.

At first, I had a lot of thoughts, like what style I should create for my painting... It was hard to keep my focus. But after being interviewed by the award winner, I was able to get a firm grasp on my focus! That's why I think everyone should take part in the "Traveling Through Japan's 47 Prefectures! Art Journey." Only those who were selected will have the opportunity to be interviewed, but I think everyone who has just started painting should give it a try.

vinegar

Thank you! I'm glad to hear you say that! For you, From Artist is a place to take on challenges.

bell

Whenever I'm lost, I try to go back to my "origin." When I held my solo exhibition, I took a printed version of an interview with From Artist and the very first painting I drew, titled "My Origin," displayed on a panel. I drew "My Origin" in August 2022, so it was exactly two years ago. Having this means I have a place to return to when I'm lost...it's like my hometown, if you like. That's why I keep it on display and always look at it. I was given an amazing opportunity to participate in the "Traveling Through All 47 Prefectures of Japan! Art Journey."

vinegar

I'm happy to see my early works and interviews with From Artists lined up together!

It's true that there are times when you find yourself wondering, "What is it that I wanted to draw?"

bell

That's right. So by having a visible starting point, when I feel lost I can come back to this place and feel a surge of strength.

vinegar

That's wonderful!

By the way, Naminami, you have been creating works for a long time, but do you ever get lost in the process or have time to look back at your origins?

N

I'm not particularly conscious of it. Nowadays, I feel like I'm making what I want to make. However, there are some things that I think "I did a good job on this."

vinegar

Is your creative style just about going with the flow?

N

That's how it is right now.

vinegar

Is there a consistent theme that has been present for a long time?

bell

That's what I wanted to ask too! I was curious as to how Naminami decides, "I'm going to draw this theme!"

N

There are no rules. If there were rules, I feel like it would end up being just like work.

First, I draw lines and colors randomly, and then I flesh things out from there... I create my works in a loose, casual way. To be honest, I don't make any deep decisions about what to do.

vinegar

In our last interview, we had the opportunity to talk with _m_art, an artist who mainly paints abstract art. He said that he has loved combining colors since he was a child, and that rather than painting abstract works, he continues to paint because he loves combining colors. Is your style similar to this, Naminami?

N

I completely understand how you feel, but in my case, I start with monochrome, so I think it's important to consider what to combine with it.

vinegar

When you start with monochrome, does that mean you decide based on the overall balance?

N

That's right. First I draw lines, whether they be curves or straight lines, and then I add color...and then a theme emerges from that. It could be a landscape, an object, a person, or something like that.

vinegar

So you don't have a clear idea of ​​what you want to draw from the beginning, but rather it starts to emerge as you create it little by little?

N

Of course, there are times when that happens, and there are also times when I decide to create something and then work towards it.

vinegar

What about you, Suzuki? Do you have any idea of ​​how you create things, or where you start?

bell

I have a big theme already decided, so the only other thing I think about is the color scheme. So I don't start creating something without knowing what I can do... I think that's really strange. If it were me, I'd be really anxious.

vinegar

That means you want to get it solid from the start.

bell

That's right. I have to decide what to draw and how to do it... and I can at least be free to choose the color! Otherwise I get anxious and can't start drawing. So, listening to your talk, I was surprised to learn that there is such a way of drawing.

vinegar

It's a method I've never come across before.

bell

No. You mentioned earlier that there are times when you draw with the intention of creating something, but what exactly is the theme?

N

It's a bit vague, but I think, should I draw a woman? Should I draw a man? Should I draw a mountain? Should I draw the sea?

bell

So you're asking me to roughly decide on a topic?

N

Yes, I have a rough idea of ​​what to draw. Which part of the woman should I draw? Which part of the mountain should I draw? Is it the top or bottom? Is it near the sea? That's how it goes.

bell

So you continue drawing...how do you set the goal point?

N

It's difficult, but it's when I feel like "this is good enough." After publishing a work on From Artists, there are times when I actually want to draw on it again (laughs), but you could say I don't have a goal.

Work name: akf0019

bell

So if you feel like it's good enough emotionally, you stop production, but when you look back at it, you sometimes think that you should add something?

N

There's a lot I want to add.

bell

That's right. It's true that having it on hand makes you want to add more.

N

In the case of From Artists, the end result is the listing of the work, so it's important to be able to accept that.

──About the art materials you use

bell

Is Naminami digital?

N

Yes, all of the items listed are.

bell

Do you create on a computer?

N

Yes, that's right. I do use art supplies to draw, but since From Artist's goal is to sell my work, I create my work while keeping running costs in mind.

bell

I draw on canvas, so I thought, "Naminami, you're digital!"...and I realized that you're the complete opposite artist to me.

vinegar

Do you have any particular preference for drawing analoguely?

bell

At first, I thought about doing it digitally, but a friend told me that original drawings would be better. At first, I drew it with a ballpoint pen, but then I gradually switched to acrylic.

vinegar

I see. Is there a reason why you chose acrylic?

bell

I knew that oil paints take a long time to dry, but I went to an art supply store without knowing anything about it... Naturally, I didn't know what to buy, but I bought the first acrylic that caught my eye.

vinegar

So, if watercolors had been the first medium you picked up, would you still be creating artworks with them today?

bell

No, I thought acrylic would be good because it dries faster than oil paint.

vinegar

So now that you've picked it up, does it feel right?

bell

Yes, the packaging was cool.

vinegar

Of course, that's one way to choose.

bell

That was all I had at the time. I didn't know anything else. At first glance, the packaging looked cool. The paint said U-35, so I was a bit worried, wondering if it was only for people under 35, but I was able to buy it. (laughs) This is cool.

vinegar

It certainly looks cool! Are there any art materials you would like to try in the future?

bell

Yes. I'm trying out a lot of different things right now! I bought some pearlescent products... I'm curious about them so I thought I'd give them a try. I'm really trying out a lot of different things right now.

vinegar

That's great. How about Akela paints?

bell

That's right. People tell me to try using Akira and Duo paints because they make it easy to create gradations. You can't create gradations with acrylics at all.

vinegar

That may be true. I have the impression that acrylic paints are specialized for painting on flat surfaces.

bell

That's why I was told that Akira paints are good for creating gradations. I also use them to create not only paintings but also 3D objects.

vinegar

I see! Do you have any plans to submit any 3D works to From Artist in the future?

bell

Is it okay to post three-dimensional works?

vinegar

There aren't many of them, but they are there.

bell

I made something for a solo exhibition... It wasn't made to be sold, but I just want to try anything that looks fun. I even bought an airbrush the other day! I want to try everything that interests me!

vinegar

Did you buy an airbrush too? I'm looking forward to seeing your work on Instagram!

By the way, Naminami, will your future releases for From Artists be digital?

N

I haven't decided yet, but I have a canvas ready, so I might release it once I've finished painting.

vinegar

Oh! I'm looking forward to it! Is it acrylic?

N

I think it will probably be acrylic. Other than watercolor. I can't paint with oil either, so... I guess it will be acrylic after all?

vinegar

Oil painting requires a lot of preparation and post-processing, and it also has a smell.

Even small pieces can be submitted, so we hope you will post your work on From Artist!

N

Understood!

bell

Speaking of which, I recently bought a tapping brush and have been tapping the canvas! Whenever I learn about a new technique like that, I immediately want to try it out.

vinegar

It's great to be able to put into practice what you want to try right away!

bell

I'm so curious that I'll try it right away. I wonder what will happen if I do it? You won't know until you try it, right? I'll want to try it right away.

vinegar

That's great!

 

──How often do you draw? What is your pace?

vinegar

How often do you draw pictures?

bell

At first, since they were small, I only took 1 to 3 sheets per week, but as they got bigger, I started taking one sheet per week or one every two weeks.

vinegar

As your works have gotten bigger, has the time you have to create them increased?

bell

That's right. I can't paint that much. I'm currently painting a canvas size S100, but I can't do it all at once, so I'm continuing to work on other pieces here and there.

vinegar

Doesn't it get tiring to keep working on the same piece?

bell

Yes. Actually, I'm quite undecided. Maybe I got bored of using the S100 size? I wanted to try the tataki brush I mentioned earlier, so I gave up on the S100 size.

vinegar

You're full of curiosity! (laughs)

Naminami, what is your production pace?

N

I basically do it every day. I'm drawing as I speak.

vinegar

How long will it take to complete?

N

It varies. Sometimes I can finish a piece in the same day, but sometimes it takes so long that I leave it for about three years. I'm working on multiple pieces at the same time, so I start working on the motif that I feel like working on that day, and I work at my own pace.

vinegar

You said earlier that the works you put out on From Artist are intended to be sold, and that you create them with a final goal in mind, but how long does it generally take to create the works you put out on From Artist?

N

Some pieces have taken me two years to complete, but as I mentioned earlier, I sometimes complete them in a day and exhibit them that same day.

vinegar

When you ship works sold by From Artist, do you print them out and send them to the purchaser?

N

I print it out and then sell it.

vinegar

Do you have any preferences for the paper you print on?

N

I want to be particular about it, but there are things like pricing, so I'm using the same materials for everything. If I could do it in the future, I'd like to work on canvas instead of paper.

vinegar

Even printing companies sometimes print on canvas!

N

Yes, there is.

──Artists, what would you like to ask each other?

bell

I think it's amazing that Naminami can draw without deciding on a final destination. It's amazing how she can start drawing with a vague image of a man or a woman. Do you not make drafts?

N

It can't really be called a rough sketch, but I draw lines and bend them first... If the theme is a woman, I don't add arms and legs, but I draw some feminine lines. For example, there are feminine lines, right? Around the waist, or, more easily, the chest. It's a rough sketch, but I continue drawing until I think it might be vulgar.

vinegar

I think you've been drawing since you were a child, but did you switch to this style at some point? Or was it always like that?

N

I think there are many things that have been around for a long time. For example, when I was playing around drawing someone's portrait, I found that it worked well if I started by drawing a line from the most distinctive feature of the person.

bell

Artists often post pictures of their work on social media while they're in the middle of it, right? That way you can get a sense of how they draw, so I'd love to see Naminami in the middle of drawing!

vinegar

It's the process of creating a work...

bell

I wanted to see the process, especially when the theme was women! When I say, "I'm going to draw a woman!", will I be able to tell that it's a woman just by looking at it?

N

You may not understand. I don't want people to have preconceived notions, so the works I exhibit are not titled and are numbered consecutively.

bell

If that happens, I probably won't understand.

N

That's right. I think maybe people who know will understand. I don't think it's interesting if people know that I drew a woman, a man, a mountain, or a dog. If I drew a girl and she looks like a dog, then I think that's fine.

bell

That's great! So it's left up to the viewer, right?

N

My work is categorized as abstract painting, and in that sense I consider myself to be a graphic designer. I try to somehow connect my thoughts with my work.

vinegar

It's up to the viewer to decide how they feel and respond.

By the way, after talking with you today, Naminami, are there any parts that you have noticed about Suzuki-san that you haven't noticed before, or do you have any questions for him, such as what he does in situations like this?

N

You did all the lines freehand, right? There are a lot of curves and no straight lines, right? That was the first thing that caught my eye.

bell

You just noticed that sharp point... I was really surprised. I'm so happy!

When I started drawing this picture, I noticed that the cells in the human body don't have any straight lines, so I try not to draw any straight lines. So when you told me that, I was really taken aback... I got goosebumps because I realized that it's different from how the average person sees a picture. So you get it?

Title: #0072 Life

N

I understand that... When I looked at Suzuki's work without any preconceptions after this interview, I thought the curves were interesting.

When I read the intentional text of the production, I thought, "Oh, that's what it was." I wondered if he had some medical knowledge or something. It also reminded me of a line from Black Jack... I thought Suzuki-san was a courageous person. After seeing Suzuki-san's work, I thought about trying my hand at a work on the theme of the human body, but it didn't work out.

Finally, my thoughts turned to Michelangelo, and I looked at his statues online again. I mentioned earlier that I draw the lines of a woman's body from curves, but it turns out that unless you're at the level of Michelangelo, it's difficult to draw the human body... so I'm not drawing them now.

vinegar

Naminami, do you get the impression that Suzuki's works depict things that are quite challenging?

N

That's right. I think the human body is quite difficult. It may be because of my own way of thinking, but when I see Suzuki's work, I remember a line from Black Jack, and from there I even think of Michelangelo.

vinegar

That's an incredible depth of insight! But it's hard to find someone who looks at your work and thinks that deeply about it.

bell

That's right. I'm glad to receive such sharp feedback only from people who are fellow artists or painters. For the average person, it usually ends with something like, "It's beautiful," or "It's cute." I think it's up to the viewer to decide how they want to view the painting, and I'd be happy if they thought it was just a normal, cute character, but I was surprised to see that artists and painters have a different perspective.

N

I don't intend to see everything that way, but since I had this opportunity, I felt I had to give a proper answer.

bell

I was conscious of the lack of straight lines in the drawing... that's about all I had decided on in the picture, so I thought it was amazing that you were able to see that so clearly.

vinegar

When I look at Suzuki's work, the first thing that catches my eye is how colorful it is, and many of his works use a variety of hues overall. Is there anything you'd like to try in the future with your color choices? Maybe try using dark colors! Or just one color! For example.

bell

That's right. I've always been physically weak and was often hospitalized, so I've lived in a world of pure white....Recently, when I was answering an interview for From Artist after receiving an award, I suddenly realized that I was doing the complete opposite of that pure white image.I thought, "Ah, so that's what it was!"So from now on, I'll continue to use bright colors! Colors that make people feel cheerful.I wonder if having even one picture like that in the hospital might ease their anxiety?That's why I want to continue to use bright colors, or rather, pursue beautiful hues, when choosing paints.

vinegar

I see. It would be great if it could be displayed in a hospital in a few years.

bell

Yes, I agree! But I really hate hospitals...

vinegar

However, I think that drawing requires a lot of physical strength, as you have to maintain the same posture for a long time, which can make you sick. Please take care of yourself!

By the way, Naminami, do you not use Instagram or any other social media?

N

I'm just doing X under the name Naminami. I want to remain as anonymous as possible.

──Where does your name come from?

bell

Where did your nickname Naminami come from?

N

There is an origin to it, but it doesn't have much meaning.

bell

Nami, are those ocean waves?

N

No, it's Naminami, as in "a cup filled to the brim with coffee."

bell

Is it filled to the brim with a drink?

N

If I were to open a coffee shop and give it a name, I thought I would use that name. When you put something up for sale on a flea market website, you need a name, right? That's what came to mind when I thought of a name, so I chose "Naminami." I also wanted to keep the gender of the item hidden.

bell

That's right. It's true that when you hear Naminami, you can't tell what gender she is.

──Worries and obstacles you want to overcome

vinegar

Mr. Suzuki, are you usually invited to exhibit?

bell

Yes, there was! But it didn't happen that often.

vinegar

I felt that Suzuki's style of painting was similar to that of Takashi Murakami, a famous contemporary artist, so I think he will likely be in demand as a contemporary artist in the future.

bell

That's the issue, Naminami-san, you said earlier that when you start to resemble someone while drawing, you avoid that path. When I continue to draw, lines that remind me of Murakami appear....As I continue to draw, I inevitably clash with them. I feel like I'm losing my individuality, so I want to avoid it if possible. But as I continue, I inevitably clash with them.

N

That's right. I have one piece that I have since deleted from From Artists, and someone posted on social media about it saying, "Isn't this a rip-off?" Of course, that was not my intention at all.

vinegar

It's true that with the recent spread of social media and other things, messages are often interpreted differently than originally intended.

N

However, if that's how it appears, I thought there was nothing I could do about it and removed it from the listing.

vinegar

When you're drawing, that's a problem.

N
That's right. So in that sense I try to avoid it. I put aside the idea that it's my own work and try not to give a bad impression to the outside world. It's happened a few times at exhibitions, and even though I didn't mean it that way, it ended up appearing that way to the viewers ... and the museum got a call asking, "What do you think?" So I ran straight to the museum! I've had experiences like that.

bell

But I've seen a lot of artwork up until now, and it remains in my memory... When I actually create my own work, even though I didn't draw it from what I saw, I unconsciously find that it resembles something, or that we have similar likes. Because the path I walk carries the traces of artists who have come before me, even if I try to avoid it, there are some things that I can't avoid, and before I know it, it ends up resembling someone else's work.

vinegar

When someone brings out a work from 100 or 200 years ago and asks, "Isn't this similar to this?", there are times when there's nothing you can do.

bell

Well, in the end, everyone's likes are pretty much set, so if you try to fit into that category, people will say you're similar, so it's difficult.

vinegar

Personally, I think it's fine if there's something you can stick to.

bell

But when I look at other artists, there are times when I get the feeling that their work is similar to something else.

vinegar

There are some artists who have always admired or aspired to be like that.

bell

That's right. If you do that, you'll naturally end up looking similar! The important thing is how you can show your individuality and slip through the cracks. But a lot of the seats are already taken. Even if you try to avoid them, the seats are already taken.

vinegar

This is my seat! So I have to make it myself.

bell

So maybe one of the things that sets me apart is the characters. Someone might look at them and think, "They look similar!", but I'm sure they were drawn by me. There are a lot of people who use flashy colors, but I think that can't be helped. So there are parts where I end up drawing a little closer to the characters. I don't think that when it comes to characters, they're all that similar to anyone else.

I wonder what other artists do? I'd like to hear about that. Are you consciously trying not to draw too close to someone else's work? What should you do about that? Do you hate being told you look like this artist, or do you like it?

vinegar

Certainly, awareness of this varies from person to person.

bell

Some people get annoyed when they say they look like someone even though they're not trying to imitate them... It's difficult. I wonder what everyone else does? When it comes to pop art, Takashi Murakami is famous, so I've ended up looking like him without even realizing it. This is what I thought when I tried using a tapping brush this time.

vinegar

Some passionate fans and those who know his work may think that's a bit... but I guess you have to come to terms with it somewhere. It's an eternal theme for an artist.

bell

But when you really get into the idea of ​​what's cute, you end up with Takashi Murakami.

vinegar

Let's become a writer who can surpass Murakami!

bell

That's right. The only way is to surpass him. The only way is to surpass the artist he is said to resemble. This is going to be tough!

──Future goals and challenges

vinegar

Naminami, is there anything else you would like to try?

N

I haven't decided yet, but if I had more time I would like to paint using analog art materials instead of digital ones, and I would also like to try making three-dimensional objects again.

vinegar

Did you make three-dimensional objects in the past?

N

I was making it for fun.

vinegar

What kind of solid is that?

N
I was creating characters. In my previous job, I made dolls to match advertisements, took photos of them, and used them in advertisements.

vinegar

Was that a request from the client?

N

I used to suggest it, but it obviously doesn't suit the modern era. Nowadays, AI can make it for you, so I would like to make one for myself again.

vinegar

Of course, if you're making art for work, you have to be fairly efficient at selling it, but if you're making it for yourself, you'd want to take your time to create it.

N

That's right. I'm exhibiting my work on From Artists in the hopes that I can make some money from it.

vinegar

There are many artists who are troubled by the idea that it's not something they have to do to survive, but rather that they want to do what they want without worrying about finances . But in the back of their minds, they think they have to sell their paintings to make a living... I think this is also an eternal theme for artists. It's difficult to find a compromise.

I know a child who draws pictures , and although he wants to make a living by drawing the pictures he likes, he worries that it would be presumptuous to ask people to buy his work for money.

bell

People who paint are incredibly pure. That's how they think. They end up worrying about whether it's okay to charge money for the paintings they create. But unless they're properly financially viable, they won't be able to please people for long. If they don't get paid properly and continue creating, they won't last. That's the conflict. Artists are faced with all sorts of problems. I've been a salaryman, so I have work experience and have worked in business, but people who became artists straight out of school have little work experience, so they're bombarded with all sorts of worries, wondering, "What should I do?"

vinegar

That's right. When you're a student, your perspective is even narrower, so you tend to think there's only one path.

bell

So I solve that problem by taking on lots of side jobs.

vinegar

It's often said that only a handful of people succeed in the art world .

bell

If it doesn't sell, I worry about it and it's really tough! Being an artist is hell whether it sells or not. (laughs)

vinegar

The most important thing is to be able to draw pictures that I enjoy, so I want to keep that in mind.

Well, that's where we'll end our conversation today! Both of you said that you still have a lot of things you want to try, so if you create any new works in the future, we'd love it if you would upload them to FROM ARTIST!

bell

I'm glad I got to hear such valuable stories this time!

I'll follow Naminami's X!

N

thank you!

vinegar

I hope this opportunity will help us make more connections! Thank you for today.

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Tetsuya Suzuki