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Artist 山口ミドリ Yamaguchi Midori

山口ミドリ
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WORKS INTERVIEW EXHIBITIONS

INTERVIEWInterview

Midori Yamaguchi

Even if it's a reckless challenge... Perseverance in the will to take on challenges

When I was young, I had a desire to paint. The reason I became interested in drawing in the first place was when I saw that my brother was aiming to become a graphic designer and thought, "That's cool." I also admired Katsuhiro Otomo and Katsuya Terada, and wanted to become an illustrator. I thought it would be difficult to make it a job, so I ended up working in web design for about 15 years, but I felt stuck about the future and lost my passion for my work. At that time, I suddenly remembered my youthful feeling of wanting to paint. I didn't have any particular specialized knowledge, but after attending painting classes for about two years, I decided to quit my job and start as a full-time painter. I thought I was reckless myself, but I think it was a one-time life, and my will to take on the challenge won the game.  
　
At first, I was in a state of fumbling. Immediately after starting, I thought, "I did it... I didn't have to quit my job." I went around galleries and galleries with excitement and created opportunities for people to see and listen to my work. When I was wondering what to draw, an art dealer advised me, "Why don't you try drawing a landscape?" Originally, I liked outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, so I decided to try to paint the landscape photos I had taken and the sketches I had sketched on site. I remember that my work was sold for the first time, and I had hope that there were people who sympathized with my paintings, and that if I continued, I might be able to do something.

Think with a brush instead of thinking with your head

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 does not go according to plan, and that ideas become turning points, are a little linked to life. 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.  
　
Now I live in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture, and there are many nature and parks, so until recently I used to look at flowers for drawing. After all, I often painted landscapes. 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 who was the author of my oil painting reference book, and it took 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.

For me, drawing is a "journey of self-discovery"

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 a kind of "unreal world" with fantastic elements.  
　
Also, because of the feeling that "I want to expand the range of expression more freely", I am also taking on the challenge of open call 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 images that spring up from within, and I think it is important to draw more works to achieve this. I couldn't be happier if you could see and support my work as I grow and change in this way.

EXHIBITIONS Exhibition Information

2023.12.01 ～ 2023.12.31

WEB GROUP EXHIBITION
Beauty Painting Exhibition
The venue isHereAre.