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| ss | HOME > JINA Interview |
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| by maiko uchida | ||
Where are you from in Japan?I was born in Kamata, Tokyo and grew up in Fujisawa and Yokohama, both of which are in Kanagawa prefecture. Thinking of Japan, I miss Shonan beach area and Enoden, a small green and yellow train that runs along the beach from Fujisawa to Kamakura. When I was born on January 1st, I had wrinkled red face and long fingers; according to my mother, I looked like E.T. When New Yorkers ask me where I am from, I enjoy saying, "I am from another planet." with a big smile.How was your childhood? What kind of a child were you?When I had a diaper and walked around a park with my mother, I loved to talk to people. My mother said to me, "You were a child who loves people. When you found a circle of people in a park, you would walk toward them with a big smile. Then, your existence made people smile. "When I grew to wear a little green dress, I loved to dance and sing in front of the TV, imitating "Pink Lady", two female singers who were very popular at that time. I love to have people's attention. As we say in Japan, "The spirit from [the age of] three lives until one hundred." I still like to talk to strangers, and I am in the biggest city of total strangers, New York City. |
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Did you study Art in a Japanese University also?No, English and American Literature was my major at Aoyama Gakuin University. I obtained an English teaching license for junior high and high school levels. I was more interested in Intercultural Communication than Literature courses.English feels great in my mouth. From this, and the ability to communicate my emotions to friends and strangers, has grown my love for the art of language. What was your first American Experience?My first experience of America was Seattle, where I did 24 days of "home stay" when I was in college. The host family was exactly the way I imagined, a friendly and warm American family. They took me to the church every Sunday since my host father is a singer and mother is a pianist. At the church, I saw many American people. My image of American was open-minded, friendly and easy-going, however, of course, there are many kinds of American people. Some people are very serious and closed-minded. Such a natural thing shocked me; we are all human beings and we share different characters.Since I got used to being smiled at and talked to by people, I was shocked to see unfriendly people who didn't care about a student from Japan. I thought; nothing begins if I just sit quietly. Then, I started talking to people. After the home stay, I was touched to know I have someone who cares about me from another sides of the earth. How did you start to paint? How did you find interests in art?Because my father is a cinema photographer, director of cinematography and my mother often makes clothes and does oil painting; I grew up in art surroundings. They took me to museums, concerts and movies. When we climbed Tanzawa Mountains together, I recall I made sketches and wrote poems. I hadn't thought about being an artist at that time. I was interested in English. I wanted to work somewhere I could use English. In Japan, business men and women are the norm and it is said that it is difficult for artists to live in this society. Of course, in New York, there are still many artists struggling to be successful, however, at the same time, we can see numerous success stories, which gives me energy.What made you changed your career from an event coordinator to an artist?I liked my job because it had variety; however, I knew I didn't want to stay there for so long. I had dreamed of living in a foreign country since I started to learn English. I always wanted to leave Japan for somewhere but I felt I should have my own goal or purpose, not only mastering English. After one year working at the company, I started to feel like drawing and painting and decided to visit cultural centers. First I went to Yokohama cultural center. Then, I saw the flyer of my favorite Illustrator MAKOTO NAGASAWA (Mako)'s class! I was so surprised and screamed with joy. I was amazingly happy and rush into a bank and pay the tuition immediately. That was his first class. I saw his paintings, which he did in New York where he had stayed for 8 years. I strongly felt like going to New York some day. Fortunately, the opportunity came to me. I went to New York for the first time by a business trip. I walked around SoHo and the neighborhood was crowded with art and artists. A guy talked to me, "That is a beautiful sweater. I like that color!" And we started to talk. "I want to live in SoHo some day." I said. Then, he simply said to me, "Why not?" The moment changed my perspective. He is right, why not? I had forgotten the truth; you can do anything you want. One and half years later, the dream to study art in New York and to live in SoHo, came true.What was your job? Did you go abroad often?I was working in the Overseas Relations Department and Marketing Communication Department for Compaq Computer Company as an overseas event coordinator. I planned and organized overseas event tours for customers and employees, including designing promotional invitations and translating materials for customers. I could go abroad once or twice a year. I enjoyed myself at the company since I could meet many people using English. |
Why did you choose The School of Visual Arts in New York?I had heard about the reputation of The School of Visual Arts (SVA). First I searched the Internet and chose four schools. Then I decided to visit those schools and feel the energy directly. SVA's impression was the best among them. The advisers at SVA were supportive and I could imagine myself studying at SVA, something I couldn't say for the others. I believe in my instinct; I came back to Japan with excitement from SVA.What kind of school is The School of Visual Arts?SVA has a good reputation and it is especially famous for illustration. There are many well-known illustrators who graduated from SVA including Keith Haring. Because the instructors are working as professional artists and often very successful, they inspire you.What do the words mean of MAKOTO NAGASAWA, which impressed you deeply; "If the line is good, you don't have to do make-up." And "When you draw by pen, it's all about your decision? It all depends on your decision."? "If the line is good, you don't have to do make-up." Means that like make-up, if you have a great face (= line), you don't have to put make-up or just put a little. "When you draw by pen, it's all about your decision? It all depends on your decision." Not like pencils, you cannot erase when you are using a pen, you should believe in your decision. His words make me think about not only painting but also life itself. He opens my eyes. His lifestyle, traveling and painting, attracts me. What was your first impression of New York?The first impression was very strong. New York has the energy that no other cities have. Individuals are individual, with their own character. It is natural to talk to strangers. I wrote the poem called "I was born in" (Please Attached a link to the word file) including my first impression of New York.Where did you exhibit your artwork in New York?January 2003, my artworks have been exhibited for one month in the P.C.O.G. Gallery in Harlem. The show was called "SEVEN" since it was a group show for seven people. That was my first exhibition in New York. I exhibited the paintings I did in Italy and a collage expressing lucky moments in New York City. The first encounter with this gallery was when I went to a hair salon to make my hair into dreadlocks, since I was impressed by the idea of Rastafarian. I walked in front of the gallery and started to talk with the owner Paula Coleman. I decided to work there as an internship. For the opening reception, a lot of people came to the gallery, thanks to JINA's advertisement. It was such a precious experience in my life. It was exciting to be looked at, and at the same time, it was a ticklish feeling. I was so happy to sell my original artworks.You went to Italy in 2002. How long did you stay? Where did you go? What is Italy for you?I stayed in Positano and Amalfi for 10 days. I drew and painted beautiful places everyday, which was intensely satisfying. Italy is the place like "a surprise box (Bikkuri bako, in Japanese)" full of my favorite colors; bougainvillea pink, turquoise blue and olive green. The attraction of Italy is within the color and also in the beautiful water. The water attracts me because I grew up waterside by Shonan beach, in Yokohama Harbor and perhaps also because we all grew up in our mother's ocean. |
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What is the merit for being Japanese? What is the handicap?What surprised me is that there are many Americans who admire Japanese culture; Ninja, Samurai, Interior design and food etc. We cannot hear Japanese news often but there are a lot of people who say Japan is a wonderful country, which makes me re-think my own origin. I think the merit of being Japanese in New York is you can have a positive background before you do something. I don't feel any handy-cap for being Japanese; New York is a melting pot, and I added a tinge of Mihoko Hakata.Who are the artists whom you respect? And why or how?The strong curiosity toward life of Einstein, the passion to art of Picasso, the ideal life style of Mako, I want to be a Renaissance woman like Leonard da Vinci.Who are the people who give you influence? Who are they and how did they influence you?My parents, grandmother and Makoto Nagasawa. The unconditional love of my parents, real kindness. My father's attitude; living with his talent and his passion toward his art, perfectionist. My mother's way of thinking, flexibility, positive attitude. My grandmother's curiosity and vitality. I was shocked by her response when we discussed my decision to leave for New York; she told me to do what I want, even in the wake of September 11th. She is brave and positive. And, without Mako, I wouldn't have thought about sketching or coming to New York. He gave me influence toward life with art.Do ideas come to you often? Do you have anything to do when you don't have any ideas?I have many ideas to make them happen. Ideas will come, especially when I am taking a bath, walking on the street, writing at my favorite cafe and in a bed. There are some places that help me in researching and developing my ideas: The Picture Collection of New York Public Library and Barns and Noble.What things do you care about when you paint?I think about the tempo of lines, so not to make it monotone. I want to paint like an orchestra. This applies not only for painting, but also for my life. I love an exciting rhythm, when it becomes monotone and I start new things.What is the difference between your early work and latest work?I used to draw and paint by only pen and watercolor and now I use various mediums. I especially enjoy collage and want to do more in the future. I want to explore my possibilities.What is painting for Mihoko Hakata?To capture the moment. To make art with the energy and air which I felt. If the person felt the positive energy, it would be wonderful. Painting is another way for me to transfer positive energy between people and myself.What is the key to success of artists in America?The key to success of artists in America is Talent, Efforts and Connection.Please give words to the young people who are coming to The United States."To fly before you see", I recommend it. Challenge yourself. Don't be too afraid to start new things.Please give words to young people who dream of being an artist.Listen to your voice. Find within you a real smile. Happiness is the beginning of all. Then, everything will be connected.Mihoko's Favorite Restaurants Quintessence100% RAW Vegetarian Restaurant. The food is extremely healthy and beautifully presented. Three locations: 263 E 10th Street (btw. AveA&1stAve) Phone: 646-654-1823 566, Amsterdam Avenue (btw.87th&88thSt.) Phone: 212-501-9700, 353E 78th Street (btw.1stAve&2ndAve) Phone: 212-734-0888 Caravan of Dreams Raw and Cooked food menu, 100% vegetarian. The atmosphere is cheerful with live music. 405E 6th St, New York, NY 10009 Phone: 212-254-1613 Mihoko's Favorite Cafes 71 Irving Place Coffee & Tea BarMy favorite is the Hazel Nut Coffee with a Mixed Berries Sugarless Scone. This is my favorite place in Manhattan. 71 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003 Phone: 212-995-5252 Ceci-Cela Patisserie My favorite is the Napoleon. This Napoleon is the best in all the pastries in Manhattan! The texture of thin layers of piecrust, cold icing on the top, thick custard cream and tart raspberry in combination is perfect! 55 Spring Street (btw. Lafayette and Mulberry St.) New York, NY 10012-5727 Phone: 212-274-9179 Bruno Bakery My favorite is Sfogliatella, which has a crispy crust outer shell with a sweet ricotta cheese filling. Also here, the chocolate mousse is very dense and rich. Two locations: Flea Market Cafe I like their reasonable brunch menu. French Toast and Fruits, orange juice and coffee will be perfect for beginning your day. 131 Avenue A (Between 8 & 9th St) New York, NY 10009-5101 Phone: 212-358-9280
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