Artist in Residence in Togatta onsen, Japan.

I participated in "Togatta Artist In Residence" in Togatta Onsen, Miyagi prefecture, Japan for two weeks in October 2021.

Togatta Onsen is a hot spring town lined with studios handcrafting traditional Kokeshi dolls.

What is an artist in residence (A.I.R)?

"Artist-in-residence" programs and other residency opportunities exist to invite artists, academicians, curators, and all manner of creative people for a time and space away from their usual environment and obligations. They provide a time of reflection, research, presentation and/or production. They also allow an individual to explore his/her practice within another community; meeting new people, using new materials, experiencing life in a new location (Referenced from definitions.net)

The selection process are usually as follows.

1.Apply (with portfolio or website URL)

2.Interview

3.selection

It is helpful for artists to have chance to focus on their own works and exhibit their artwork as a result in the unusual environment. It's challenging for me because I feel like being under a lot of pressure and it is big motivation in a good way.

It was first time for me to apply for an AIR. So, I was honestly nervous before the interview with Sato who is a representative of the AIR.

Against my expectations, the interview was a very casual conversation and fun at a coffee shop in Kita Senju, Tokyo. We got lost in conversation.

He was like "Interesting!" every time I suggest my ideas about what I will create.

I told him that I wanted to draw with horizontally long size like emaki in which themed Togatta Onsen.

"emaki"(絵巻) is an illustrated horizontal narration system of painted handscrolls that dates back to the Nara period in 8th century CE Japan, initially copying its much older Chinese counterparts. 

And then, he suggested that I make an advertisement in a train which could be horizontally long size as well.

(The cost for the advertisement was gratefully provided by Miyagi prefectual government. I explain to people working in the Miyagi prefectual office about my works during AIR through online video meeting.)

In addition to the advertisement illustration, I draw a picture with Japanese traditional materials for the permanent exhibition in the Zao Kokeshi museum.

My drawing in the Zao Kokeshi museum.

Work in progress.

I used leaves I picked in Togatta Onsen as a stamp.

Togatta Onsen-themed emaki.

December1 2021- January 4 2022, Togatta Onsen picture scroll,

the JR Tohoku Main Line (701 series), Japan

I am deeply grateful to Sato san and Nagai san assisted me.

Just for two weeks residence, I went to the Kokeshi museum, an organic market, a studio of a sculptor known as an artist of Nara ittobori(one blade carvings).

I also enjoyed a relaxing time in the forest, taking a hot spring bath everyday, a meal cooked by Mr. and Ms. Sato running a taiwanese food in Togatta Onsen.

Ms. Sato is also a handmade artist making fashion jewelries with a motif of Kokeshi.

I felt how much people living in Togatta Onsen love there and try to spread charms of the place.

I had good opportunity in this period to consider future direction of my creation as an illustrator.