I have to tell you that I am not a big fan of baseball.
Here is a little interview by Humanize Magazine. Feb. 2012
-Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up and how has that influenced your work?
I spent my childhood in both Japan and U.S. It is hard to pinpoint the cause of where the influence comes from, but growing up in two different culture surely affected me in many ways.
-What initially pushed you to become an artist?
It naturally happened. I don't think people try and push themselves to be an artist. Many people have many ideas, and depending on the interest they can push themselves to become a successful businessman, accountant, scientist, musician, writer.. anything you can think of, and artist is just one of that. For me, one of my favorite thing has always been drawings and paintings, so that's how it started.
-How would you describe the essence of your work? What is it all about?
True creation. I believe that presenting new ideas and formats will inspire the others and leeds to a better society.
-Where do you go to look for inspiration for a painting? What’s that process from idea to creation like for you?
Every living second could be an inspiration. It is like the air surrounding us. So, it's just the matter of where and how you look and feel. Keeping up my mind open is one of the exciting things but also the hardest things.
-The figures in your paintings are unique and embody seemingly disfigured proportions. They also seem to be engaging in some type of struggle. Can you tell us a little about who these figures are, what they represent for you, and what they’re doing?
They are an allegorical figure from my soul. I want to illustrate every emotion I can think of.
-There are many stripe patterns to be seen throughout your work. Can you talk about this reoccurring element?
It started out from the stripes of a baseball uniform. Stripes are the sequential pattern that immediate catches one's eyes.
-Many of your pieces make reference to baseball and the various players on the field. Why baseball and what implications does that have adjacent to the Japanese elements in your pieces?
By placing a recognized symbol in to a different situation; you can form a whole new story. By placing baseball figures and samurais into a humorous and odd situation, I am trying to present a new perspective.
-I’ve read that many of your paintings have been done on wood, as opposed to a more commonly practiced canvas. What specific materials do you choose and why?
I like painting on wood more than on canvas, just because I put a lot of pressure on the surface when I paint.
-How long does it usually take you to complete a painting?
Depends on the size, but from a week to couple of months.
-Where is your favorite place to work? What defines your best creative environment?
Right now, I only have my small studio in Brooklyn, so I have no other place to choose from. I am slowing starting to think I should get a bigger place in a better environment.
-Who are some of your greatest artistic influences in the world?
Parents, friends, and all the people I know.
-What accomplishment are you most proud of in life, professionally or personally?
I am not proud of anything yet.
-What is the best thing about being an artist? What’s one of the most challenging?
To live through your carrier is the most challenging thing.
-Where are you hoping to take your art within the next 10 years?
Hopefully form a bigger circle.
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