InterviewFeatured Artist

Digital Art
coyonac
Profile
Coyonac, a painter full of personality and playful spirit. After studying at a design school, he established his own unique style of expression and has participated in exhibitions both domestically and internationally since 2022, accumulating awards. Currently, while aiming to be a picture book author, he is engaged in creating works that incorporate his views on life and life and death as a 'secret ingredient.' Along with experiences that drove his creative work, such as meeting his mentor and his first solo exhibition, he unravels the world of his works.
Please briefly introduce yourself.

I am from Tokyo. The concept of the work is a deep love for creativity, with a rugged personality and a funky vibe, drawing according to the heart's will.
Freely playing and mischievous Gokoro are essential. We are working our creation, hoping to gently scatter Lucky & Happy in the size of mametsubu and deliver a little bit of energy.
Since 2022, opportunities to participate in domestic and international exhibitions have increased. To date, we have received awards such as the "Hyakka Ryoran Art Grand Gold Award (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Division)," the "MIX ART FES Art Grand Prize," and the "2nd ART Expo in Paris Japan Art Honorary Grand Prize." It was also featured in the French art magazine 'Republique des Arts.' We plan to continue working at a relaxed pace and with unpredictable activity.

In terms of background, after countless social experiences and numerous setbacks, I attended a school in 2019 to find employment or change careers in the design industry. I enrolled there. I studied a wide range of subjects including graphic design, web, video, illustration, drawing, branding, and promotion. Sometimes, I couldn't keep up with classes that were too difficult, and even though I cried, I managed to get through it with just creative drive. I also remember receiving a joking comment from my mentor, saying, 'I have nothing left to teach you,' in response to my greedy attitude.
Currently, while facing art, I am training to become a picture book author.

 

「OH MY MORY 御守り」 作：coyonac
Are there any exhibitions or events that left a strong impression on you?

My first solo web exhibition, Gloovin' Rainbow, left a particularly strong impression. When I was approached, I felt overwhelmed by anxiety and nervousness about composing only my own work. Despite confusion caused by other exhibition preparations, I persisted without running away, which led to challenges in new forms of expression and overflowing feelings.

The encouragement from those who were during the production process and at the solo exhibition brought me to tears, and I was truly happy. Also, I am deeply grateful to Art.jp Nihonbashi for generously embracing my unique style and allowing me to take on challenges freely. By the way, just before the event, there was an incident where I realized my spelling mistake. The title 'Gloovin'' is a coined term combining groove and glow. It was a last-minute measure, but it turned out to be an unforgettable memory (lol).

What inspired you to start your career as a painter?

While studying at a design school, my desire to create materials from scratch grew stronger, which led me to take the school's illustration course. My experienced mentor, who has devoted himself to this path and is active as an illustrator, found the direction of expression in my rugged style. On the contrary, I hope it doesn't get too good. It looks like it would suit a picture book, so why not try drawing it? Unexpectedly, they gave me a push and gave me the opportunity to step into the world of picture books. I occasionally heard valuable professional experiences, which was very educational.
Additionally, from my mentor, a graphic designer with outstanding aesthetic sense truly worthy of being called a "master," I learned the essence of creation from every perspective in practical ways. Even though my brain tends to freeze, they provided precise, easy-to-understand, and sometimes patient guidance. Learning the importance of enjoying creation became the foundation for never forgetting the joy of play.

I strongly feel that the lessons learned from these top-tier teachers have shaped the way I express myself today. Looking back, I am filled with endless gratitude for how much they took care of someone like me, who was usually so stubborn.
At the same time, while continuing to explore picture book creation and expression, Nihonbashi Art.jp approached me, which led to my current activities.

"Perfect bliss ♪!" Author: coyonac
What kind of feelings do you put into your work? (Concept, etc.)

In my work, I infuse my views on life, life and death, and the feelings I feel at each moment as a kind of 'secret spice.' Although his style is sometimes described as philosophical, he has never studied philosophy and only paints his thoughts based on his own knowledge and experience. We aim to create works that listen to unreached feelings and care for wounds that cannot be healed.

For example, 'Sukkokraku ni Nare ♪' was the first work where I encountered views on life and death. At the hot springs, I wanted to deliver a relaxed feeling where you can take a breather, like paradise, paradise. Inspired by Ophelia's Hamlet, Lisco's image simply floats and floats as it sings, drifting to heaven. It views life and death as an extension of a single thread, expressing it from a quiet zero-point perspective where there is no space or anything. Simply put, I wanted to draw pinpin korori, pinkorori.
The original Ophelia is a tragic figure, but I hope you can see Lisccko Ophelia as merely the beginning of a comedic end.

「funky √55 粋ザマ chaos」 作:coyonac
Is there a work you've ever worked on that feels most 'like yourself!'? Please tell us. Also, please tell us why you think so.

The work that feels most authentic to me is "Funky √55 Iki Zama Chaos." This is my absolute favorite work, poured into my own spirit and spirit. It depicts the struggle to push forward through life's rough waves with determination, even knowing it's impossible, to the point where even I can't help but laugh at the chaos.
Energetic and funny, I don't know what's going on, but anyway, it's fun. I expressed the feeling that if your mood lifts, you can somehow get through it. I think situations where the steering wheel of life has already slipped off are also unique. Don't worry, you can go with the mood! With this lighthearted momentum, it expresses the desire to live improvising, even though the future is uncertain.

Could you share your thoughts on creating your future works?

Perhaps because my personality is too strong, I find it hard to fit in with society and sometimes feel like a small person. Nothing went well no matter what I tried, I finally found a safe place where I truly loved something from the heart. Even drawing might seem trivial from an outsider's perspective. Still, I want to believe that I was born to express my feelings. If someone who saw the painting could smile even for a moment and gently cast a rainbow in their heart, that would be an unparalleled honor for me.
With these feelings in my heart, I hope to continue painting with a free spirit.

Coyonac continues to create works with his unique personality and playful spirit, incorporating his views on life and death as a 'secret ingredient.' Encouraged by the words of her mentors, she reached her creative field after overcoming challenges and setbacks, and today she continues to write freely with a free spirit. I want to gently cast a rainbow over the hearts of those who see it. That single-mindedness will continue to create new forms of expression going forward.

Interview: 2025/10/24