The world spun by the art unit "Umi to Nashi" - the origin of their creations - Part 3
Umi to Nashi is a unit that produces and manages art paintings and the jewelry brand Leon art jewelry. The duo began their activities in 2019 and have combined their respective sensibilities to create unique expressions.
In the final installment of the series, we asked him about his future goals and a message to readers.
--Please tell us about any plans for your future works or any expressive methods you would like to try.
Kaito: Until now, I've been working without deciding on a goal. I want to continue doing what I feel like doing at the time . I want to remain flexible.
Rino: There are many good aspects to not scoring goals. I want to cherish that.
-- Do you have any specific places you'd like to exhibit at or artists you'd like to collaborate with?
Kaito: Yes, I do have a desire to create large works. I'd like to paint things like public spaces and murals. Of course, painting small works together is interesting in an experimental sense, but I'd like to try painting in a large space.
- So, other than creating your own work, is there anything else you're interested in or would like to try in the future?
Kaito: I'd like to travel. I've never been to Europe. An artist I know said, "Maybe the south of France would be a good place." Some people have also recommended that I go to places with strong colors, like the African continent, so I'd like to try creating something overseas.
Rino: I'm currently working hard on my English, so I'd like to meet and talk to more different people. I think it would broaden my world.
-- I'm impressed that you continue to do this in between creating your own work. Finally, let me ask you a slightly personal question.
I've always felt that I'm not good at drawing. I'm always conscious of being compared to others, so I can't draw freely. Where should people like me who feel uncomfortable drawing start? I'd also like to hear about your mindset when drawing.
Rino: I think the most important thing is to treasure things that you think are beautiful and that move you . That is, even if someone says something, if you think it's something, then it's true.
Kaito: I also try buying art supplies just for the cover, and instead of making it my goal to paint, I try to make it my goal to use the art supplies. Whether the finished painting is good or bad, I can think, "I painted it in order to use the art supplies." I often think about what Yohji Yamamoto, the fashion designer, said: "I've always been competing in the Olympics alone." He said that he creates his works with the sole focus of how he will break his own record at the Olympics, regardless of others . I think thinking about it like that will make you feel more at ease.
-- Thank you. I'd like to change my mindset when drawing and try again. Finally, is there anything you would like to say to those reading this article right now?
Rino: I said everything I wanted to say haha
However, when it comes to painting, I can't say for sure that "painting is not a technique." Painting is a daily process of trial and error, and you inevitably become able to reproduce what you create by chance. Before you know it, this becomes your own technique.
Kaito: In Kimura's words, "there is skill in the painting."
Rino: I create things every day with the aim of making them unique and original .
Kaito: I don't know if this will amount to a message, but I would like to suggest that you think about this when you have some free time. It's something that Kimura-sensei often says. Kimura-sensei's mentor is the illustrator Nagasawa Setsu, and Nagasawa used to say, "Learn to truly understand what is beautiful." What he means is, "Don't learn to understand what is truly beautiful, learn to truly understand what is beautiful. " What do you think about these words?
--This concludes the interview. I'm glad to hear your story and would like to continue talking with you, not just to appreciate your work. Thank you so much!!
[Editor's Note]
Through this interview, I am looking forward to seeing what Umi to Nashi will do in the future.
When we asked them about their future prospects, I was impressed by the look on their faces when they said, "We'll do what we want to do at the time," rather than setting a specific goal.
Rather than trying to accomplish something, I focus on doing my best at the task at hand.
I felt that this attitude not only reflected their work, but also their way of life.
I too would like to continue taking on challenges, thinking every day about what I really want to do, rather than worrying about what others think.
The time I spent listening to them both is a treasure to me.
Thank you very much.
Interviewer/Writer: Mizutani Kotone
[Exhibition information]
