I have spinocerebellar degeneration, a progressive disease in which the cerebellum atrophies. It's been 18 years since I became a wheelchair user, so I think I've settled down in my current life and am able to accept it mentally. I am also really grateful that the progress is slow. I love to think about how to devise things that I can't do in my daily life, and if there is any way to replace them. It is true that it is a troublesome disease, but there are countless kindness and warmth that I would not have seen or felt if I had not suffered it, and that I would not have noticed. If you think about it, it may not be all negatives. I often hear that there is no waste in the events that happen, but I realize every day that this may really be true.
Now I enjoy drawing, looking at photos of my dog in e-books, and expressing myself in my own way. I would be happy if I could tell as many people as possible that there are no restrictions on environment, situation, or age when it comes to enjoying what you love.
InterviewFeatured Artist
I was once asked to participate in an exhibition in Singapore organized by an acquaintance who is a pastel shine art instructor, asking me if I would like to participate in a collaboration work. When I thought that my work would cross the ocean, it was a strange feeling, and at the same time, I was filled with a very happy feeling. Unfortunately, I was not able to go to the site, but I was shown a lot of photos and videos of the venue. When I saw my work displayed in a foreign land, my heart warmed. If I have the opportunity someday, I would definitely like to visit this city. I am still sincerely grateful to my acquaintances who spoke to me.
I liked visiting museums, and I was on the side of the viewer. The only thing I could say was to put an illustration in my junior high school yearbook. And now I can't write properly.That's why, considering my physical condition, painting was neither a longing nor a resignation, and it didn't come to my mind in the first place. I had never even imagined it.
Meanwhile, it was the summer of four years ago. Every day, I continued to feel strangely sleepy. I'm so sleepy that I feel like I'm going to pass out (laughs). I thought I was tired because of the heat, but looking back now, I firmly believe that it was a preparation period to receive something. After the autumn equinox, the drowsiness disappeared like a lie, and the idea of painting suddenly came to me, saying, "Maybe I can do it too." Since the force is not stable, it is a method of drawing like pointillism with a felt-tip pen. I wanted to try it out as soon as possible, so I immediately bought the cheapest pen at an online shop. At this point, I was still skeptical about whether I could really do it, so I decided to try the cheapest one first.
When I tried to draw it, I couldn't stop because of the fun and joy, and it continues to this day. An unexpected event is the trigger for me to start working. From then on, when I wanted to draw, I enjoyed drawing at my own pace. It's true that you don't know what will happen in life.
I am enjoying and healing myself as I draw, so I hope to be able to deliver that feeling as it is. It's a time to create that I was given unexpectedly, so I would be happy if I could be seen by as many people as possible, without limiting it to my own healing. Hopefully, it would be ideal if someone had the courage to take the next step through the work, but I put that in mind. Most of them are colorful, but I hope that I can brightly and lightly color my daily life, which tends to be bleak, including myself. Finding a way to output is a great happiness for me.
In all of my previous works, I want to draw and try it! I only draw when it springs up from the bottom of my heart, so there is nothing in particular that this is me. When I don't feel like drawing, I leave myself unforced and relaxed, reading my favorite books and enjoying videos. I think it's important not to overdo it in order to continue. However, I have noticed that I like to color relatively small things. When I am doing such work, I find myself concentrating as much as ever, and I forget the time and am immersed in it.
I would like to continue my work while dealing with my physical condition and the surrounding environment as an excuse, but as much as I can each time. First of all, if you don't agree with yourself, you won't be able to convince others. However, I don't want to be strangely strong or stretch my back. I want to draw naturally, honestly with my heart, and while having fun. I would like you to love what you like so that you can freely stretch your limbs. With that in mind, I would like to continue to produce in the future. Of course, it also means to encourage yourself and others. Drawing is also my current support. It's a really important time. No matter what my physical condition is in the future, I sincerely hope that I can continue in some way.
I have been cherishing the time of expression that I was given unexpectedly while enjoying it in my own way. The work contains hope and kindness beyond overcoming difficulties. Many people will be encouraged by the attitude of continuing to create naturally and honestly in their hearts. I look forward to his future success.