The following interview was recorded and transcribed as faithfully as possible and with minimal editing so as to preserve the fragile emotional states of all the Artists. 

 

Why did you apply for the Kamiyama Artist in Residence program?

Hmm.. some of my friends participated in this residency program such as Hajime Mizutani san or Aki Rika san. Mmm.. they really recommended it as one of the best residency programs in Japan.

And also, it’s really the first time to have the opportunity to join a residency program in Shikoku.

 

How do you feel in Kamiyama?

Yeah, just one word: Wonderful!

 

What is the most frightening experience you have ever had?

In this residency program? In my life? Hmm.. The scariest is being an artist!

 

What is your favourite Japanese food?

Ah! It’s a difficult question! Mmm.. Yeah, fresh seafood that I cooked. Sometimes I eat raw, as sashimi, or grill it maybe. Hmm.. Difficult!

 

When did you realise you wanted to be an artist?

Yeah it was in my 3^rd year in my art school after I gave up trying to be an architect. An artist is better, yeah, being an artist is best for me. I think I’m not good at managing the necessary things for being an architect, I mean like paperwork, also, making money, arranging any details, budgets, or taking care of customers. It’s too much for me. I think I can’t manage these well.

 

Do you have a particular technique/style?

I’m sure I don’t have a particular technique. I don’t do any special things or use any special techniques for my artwork but.. I don’t know about style! I cannot recognise my own style. But I hope I have my own style!

What is the most difficult thing when exhibiting work?

You mean in Kamiyama? In general.. difficult thing.. yeah, if it’s the exhibition and there is a budget and enough time then there are no difficult things.

 

If you had to collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Ahh.. Yeah, any artist who likes my artwork is possible.

 

What is the worst thing you’ve ever made?

You mean an artwork? Hmm.. After I became an artist here, no, nothing but.. it’s not actually artwork but, I didn’t like my drawing for the examination for art school. It was the worst! I didn’t like that drawing.

 

Do you have a favourite place in Kamiyama?

Favourite place? I have a lot. I have a lot.. but my favourite is route 193 and driving the curvy, narrow road. It’s my favourite. I really like that road driving in the day or at night, during a typhoon, on a bike or in a kei truck. It’s amazing.

 

What do you think about this ham?

Is it tasty? If no one recommends this ham I won’t try it!

What do you dislike about art?

Yeah, big question. Yeah.. I will just say, I like beautiful, calm things in art.

 

What is the worst advice you have ever been given?

From the curator, or the audience. Not only about art? Maybe.. I don’t believe in advice from fortune-tellers. I haven’t asked any fortune tellers but they try to say something to me on the street or to a friend. Sometimes they say ‘You have to find a new job’ or ‘You have to stop being friends with this person’..

 

What is the best smell?

Smell? Smell.. Hmm.. I have a lot.. I like smells from things I like, for example, yeah, any alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea. Also, oil or fuel smells from motorcycles. Or, of course, things about art for example paint or sometimes toxic glue! The smells from my favourite things are best. Is it an OK answer?!

What does Kamiyama need?

Maybe more art. Keep Kamiyama great! I mean not just artworks, but more art.

 

If you lived in Kamiyama forever what would you do?

Here, Kamiyama already has good beer. You can get good wine in Kamiyama. Whiskey maybe?! Gin?! A distillery..

 

What is your weakness?

Maybe English!! Maybe language.. Japanese also.

 

Cheers Tetsuro!  Thanks for your time! 

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Other KAIR 2019 Artist Interviews by Itoi Arts

Linus Riepler

Kaoru Murakami