When I graduated from high school, there was a time when I was worried about whether to go to university or get a job. At that time, I didn't have the courage to choose to become a painter and jump in. I just couldn't have it.
When I was a teacher, the Great East Japan Earthquake gave me an opportunity to think about people and nature. So I decided to pursue a career as a painter. While meeting many people, there were people who accepted my work as it was, and there was a time when I leaned towards updates that I wanted to do more.
Since I quit teaching and devoted myself to painting, I have never regretted it. I met many people by drawing and received a lot of joy. Now I want to thank them and give back.
InterviewFeatured Artist
After his experience as a teacher, Mr. Kita Tatsu went on to become a painter after an event that turned his life into it. The works that are created by superimposing memories, nature, and familiar landscapes have a quiet transparency and a certain harmony. In this interview, we will approach the origin of his creation and his current location.
Please tell us how you decided to pursue a career as a painter.
"Kick Tonton"
Written by: Kitaro
What was the reason for starting a new activity under the new artist name "Kitalong" from the previous artist name?
I was worried about what I was going to make, but it took courage to leave what I had been doing for a long time. So I started an activity called Kita Ryu under a different name from my previous activities and started creating fine art. I can't help but enjoy drawing, so I wanted to try new genres of work.
Where do you get your motifs and inspiration for your work?
Basically, it depicts personal memories. It could be something I had experienced, a scenery I saw while walking with my dog, or something I was moved by the beauty of nature. Basically, I overlay familiar creatures, nature, plants, and shapeless objects that surround my memory over and over again to finish it as a work.
When creating fine art, I am especially careful to ensure that there is a beautiful sense of transparency and that the whole thing harmonizes. What I want to cherish is that I always have the beautiful scenery of Hokkaido in my memory. I want to put my feelings for the scenery of Hokkaido.
"Rose"
Written by: Kitaro
What are your thoughts and episodes about the roses depicted in your work?
It was when I first drew a rose flower. The flowers I received when I went to my friend's house were cute, so I tried to make them a motif for my work. He cut the red roses he was growing in the garden, wrapped them up, and let me hold them. While thinking of my precious friends who always care about me, I make my work while remembering the kindness I put into the flowers and the fun times of the day.
I have an image of a slightly soft feeling. For this reason, what I depict in my work is not a bright red rose. We are trying to make flowers with slightly warm colors.
"Pirika and Yume"
Written by: Kitaro
When drawing animals, are there any compositions or themes that you are conscious of?
When drawing animals and characters, I try to draw the theme as simple as possible with a structure that is not too difficult. Miyuki Takanashi's paintings are complex and difficult, so there is also a sense of contrast with them. I think that beauty appears in drawing what I want to write about in a simpler way. I don't like the finish that isn't beautiful. We will continue to create without forgetting to pursue beauty in simplicity.
While valuing personal memories and feelings for the scenery of Hokkaido, Mr. Kita continues to pursue simple and beautiful expressions. Under the new artist name, challenges that transcend genre boundaries have also begun. There are high expectations for what kind of world he will envision in the future.
Interview: 2025/09/01