I have wanted to draw since I was young. The first reason I became interested in drawing was when I saw that my brother was aiming to become a graphic designer and thought it was cool. I also had a longing for Katsuhiro Otomo and Katsuya Terada, and I wanted to become an illustrator.
However, I felt that it was difficult to make it a job, so I continued to work in web design for about 15 years. However, I gradually began to feel stuck in the future and my passion for my work diminished, and then I suddenly remembered my youthful desire to paint.
I didn't have any specialized knowledge, but I went to a painting class for about two years, and then I decided to quit my job and start as a full-time painter. I thought it was reckless, but since it is a one-time life, I think the will to take on the challenge won out.
InterviewFeatured Artist
At first, it was completely fumbling. Immediately after I started, I was impatient and hesitant that I didn't have to quit my job. I went around galleries and galleries with excitement, and little by little I created opportunities for people to see my works and listen to my stories.
When I was wondering what to draw, an art dealer advised me to try drawing landscapes. I have always liked the outdoors, such as mountain climbing, so I started creating based on the landscape photos I had taken and the sketches I had taken in the field. In the meantime, my work was sold for the first time, and there were people who sympathized with my paintings. If I continue, I might be able to do something. I remember that hope arose.
I want to draw, but I don't know what to draw, which is a simple but difficult problem. I've been suffering from that problem for a long time, but lately I try not to think about what to draw as much as possible, and when I go to the canvas, I try to move my hands anyway. It's a strange thing, and when you draw something, you can create a picture with a series of small ideas.
I can create a completely different work from what I originally intended to draw, so that's also interesting. There is a part of painting that is a little linked to life, such as things that don't go according to plan and ideas become turning points. I really feel that the words written in a book, "Painters should think with their brushes, not with their heads," are exactly right.
Another interesting thing about the picture is that there is no competition. Even if you look at the same scenery in a painting, it will be different if the person who draws it is different, and the taste of the person who buys it will be different depending on the feelings and impressions of the person who sees it. I think it's also a good thing that there is no such conflict.
I currently live in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture, and there are many nature and parks, so until recently I used to look at flowers for drawing. However, I wanted some hints to open up my own path, so from spring to autumn last year, I went to a painting class run by a teacher, which is the author of my oil painting reference book, for two and a half hours one way.
Many students were working freely and freely, regardless of whether they were portraits or still lifes. The classroom seemed to be full of energy. Seeing this, I strongly felt that painting is not all about drawing beautifully and honing your skills. I think that drawing what I want to draw is good for me now, so recently I have been trying my hand at portrait painting.
Recently, I have been painting more and more portraits, but the fact that I have drawn a lot of landscape paintings has definitely taught me how to bring out the background and worldview of my work.
This will be a theme for the future, but I would like to combine the beautiful colors of nature with my own image to depict an unreal world with fantastic elements. I also want to expand the range of expression more freely. From this feeling, we are also taking on the challenge of open recruitment this year. I was allowed to participate four times by July, and I was able to be selected three times. I am thinking of taking on the challenge again next year.
I have a feeling that my paintings are changing more and more, and by drawing more and more, I would like to solidify my style, which has not yet become clear. I have drawn many works, but I still have one that I think is 100% perfect. Of course, I think it's good when I draw it, but now even if I drew it a month ago, it feels old. I think it's because I'm updating, and I think it's because I have a strong will to draw better works. I want to see the image that springs up from within myself.
To that end, I think it is important to draw more works. I couldn't be happier if you could see and support my work as I grow and change in this way.
After working in web design for 15 years, Midori Yamaguchi remembered his desire to draw and turned into a full-time painter. Although he struggled with not knowing what to paint, he continued to move his hands towards the canvas to create his works. He is trying to expand his range of challenges from landscape painting to portrait painting, and to depict a fantastic world that combines the beautiful colors and images of nature. He said that there is still no work that he thinks is 100% perfect, and expectations are high for Mr. Yamaguchi's future activities as he continues to update himself.