The last few months of self-isolation may have been a time for people to discover new interests while exploring current hobbies. Drawing and painting seem to be popular activities among kids and adults alike, perhaps because of their calming effect and subjective nature. In this article, Kensuke Takahashi gives us insight into his career as an artist, and shares his favorite art materials and tools, as well as advice for aspiring artists. Takahashi has collaborated with Yokohama Brewery and worked on multiple album covers. Born and raised in Yokohama, Takahashi also talks about how this city had presented opportunities that led to his career today.
When did your career as an artist begin? What was the process like?
I loved drawing and doodling as a child, but never considered a career in art until I was about 27 years-old. I started painting while working as a delivery man, but wasn’t sure what to do with all of my paintings. A friend of mine introduced me to an art dealer whom I met up with at Yokohama Grassroots, a bar located in Tsuruyacho. They hold live concerts on a monthly basis and decorate the walls with various artwork–it’s just a really cool and vibrant place. The manager (now owner), Samata, liked my work and gave me the opportunity to display it. That’s how it all started for me.
Artists like dragon76, novol, Tadaomi Shibuya, and gravityfree used to play at Grassroots at the time, so I often went and watched them perform. That’s how I started live-painting, and eventually met dragon76’s manager Val from Garden Grove.
Your painting is bold, impactful and immersive–it transports the viewer to a fantastical world. Where do you find inspiration for your creative artwork? Also, the main subjects of your paintings are often animals and/or people, almost like characters in a story. Do you create narratives in your head before starting on a project?
Thank you. I’ve always liked observing and studying animal forms and machine mechanisms. SNS is a great place to look for inspiration from artists all over the world. I search for anything that I might be able to incorporate into my own work. I’ve always been fond of artwork that can tell stories. As a kid, I marveled over comics that could provide context to the reader in just a single frame. While I’m not purposefully creating stories in my head as I draw, I’m probably subconsciously thinking about it.
Which artist has had the greatest influence on your style and artwork?
There are too many to list! The artist who inspired my passion for art is Akira Toriyama.
What are some tools/materials you use and love? Are there any techniques that you use often that you can share with us?
I use basic acrylic paint. When I work on big projects like live-painting or murals, I use materials and brushes from Sasabe Art Store since everything, including their original canvases, are reasonably-priced. For live-painting, it’s crucial to use affordable material.
What does drawing mean to you?
I think it’s the strongest tool of communication for me. I wasn’t a social person in the beginning, but I’ve gotten to know a lot of people through painting. That’s probably what I cherish most.\
Has growing up in Yokohama influenced your work in any way?
Rather than an influence on my work, I think this city gave me the opportunity to be where I am in my career. It’s a big city with a lot of history and it’s home to many great, prolific people who are easily accessible. If I didn’t know dragon76, I’m sure I wouldn’t have discovered live-painting. Also, the other day, via SNS I found an artist whose work I thought was really cool. Looking through his posts, I realized that his work is displayed at my friend’s shop! I think Yokohama is a place full of opportunities. My friends who paint in rural areas are pretty envious.
What does this city mean to you?
My hometown in Sakae Ward is a very rural part of Yokohama. Kamakura is located just over the mountains from where I lived. I wasn’t familiar with downtown Yokohama growing up, but I’m gradually getting used to it and it’s starting to feel like home as I’ve made more friends here.
What are your goals and dreams for the future?
I’d like to continue live-painting and mural/illustration jobs while expanding my range of projects and activities as an artist.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
I don’t think it’s a job with any particular path. There’s no guarantee that you can make a living as an artist just because you finish school. It’s that difficult and challenging to make it in this industry. At the same time, you never know what could happen, so have confidence in your work. I’ve experienced some miraculous coincidences here and there in my career. I think it’s important to be open-minded.
To see more of Takahashi’s work, go to his Instagram page @kensuketakahashi1977.art or visit www.garden-grove.biz/kensuketakahashi