Artist

Q: Describe your experience at Art College – what were your opportunities, what did you learn, where did you struggle?

I was born in Japan and studied Fine Art at the end of the 70’s in Tokyo

My work developed through this maze, being influenced by both contemporary and ‘traditional’ aesthetics.

As a Christian in Japan where the Christian population said to be less than 0.1% I did not have many Christian role models who were artists. It was a lonely struggle as I did not have a support of Church or other organisation such as UCCF. And my colleagues and tutor did not understand my struggle as a Christian. Looking back I can say that only through the grace of God was I able to negotiate and survive the minefield.

I was introduced to the writings of Francis Schaeffer by a Christian Artist friend who really acted as my mentor. I started to realize that our creativities reflected God’s creativity, though it was marred by the Fall. Also because of the redemption through the Cross, we are bought back and given a task to be salt and light.

The struggle I had to go through has given me opportunities to think for myself and reflect on what scripture is telling us, rather than simply following the prescribed notion of Christianity.

Later I studied an MA in Fine Art in the UK and met many Christian artists and thinkers, and was encouraged by the encounters.

Q: What made you want to carry on as an Artist?

I have been continuing to practice because I am compelled to ‘be there’ as Steve Tuner advocates in his book ‘Imagine’, where a lot of important issues are debated in arts and yet very few voices are heard from Christian perspectives. I feel there are reasons for me to be there even if I do not have an easy or instant Answer to the searching questions, and even if my work does not often operate as an evangelistic tool.

Q: Describe the kind of work you are involved in. What do you enjoy about it?

I am currently based in London and I use a traditional Japanese paper making method in my work to produce installations. These are exhibited in the context of contemporary art, in Gallery settings, Museums and other alternative spaces in UK, Japan, US and Germany.

I also deliver workshops and talks and work as an associate lecturer at Camberwell College of Arts. I do not differentiate these aspects of my work from more mundane activities such as cooking for my kids and doing dishes, cleaning and playing. I really enjoy dreaming about work, making work, exhibiting work, talking about work and I am learning to enjoy even the administration to do with the work

Q: What are your opportunities and challenges now?

My biggest challenge is to balance these aspects of my life and to enjoy it to the full, rather than being crushed by them. It seems to require a real circus juggling skills.

Q: What keeps you going as an Artist?

The understanding I have that everything I do in this life does have some significance in the Big Woven Rug of God’s plan. I do not know how it is done, as I know full well the faults in everything I do which in themselves are worth nothing. But somehow I believe He is doing something through this mess of my life.

Q: Who are your role models?

I have too many.

Q: Are you part of any support networks for Christians in Art or Design?

I think it is important for artists to take part as a part of Christ’s Body. The artist’s function maybe different from other parts of the Body, but it is nonetheless part of the big picture.

I am coordinating the ACG Mentoring Project which supports young artists, I coordinate All Souls Visual Artists and I am a Member of CIVA (Christians in Visual Arts)

Q: What advice or encouragement would you give to a Christian student at Art College?

I hope you can form strong friendship with other Christian artists, as you have fantastic support from UCCF and have opportunities to meet fellow believers. It is great to have this support while each of you can think for yourselves and deepen the relationship with Him, travelling deeper into life’s adventure as a Christian. Try not to form a Holy huddle but challenge, support and give practical help to each other. Be like Frodo and the others in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ who journeyed through to their destination.