Meet artist from Kyoto, REDFISH

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello. I am REDFISH, a Japanese artist. Born in 1999, I am now 22 and a recent graduate of Kyoto University of the Arts. I would like to share the way I see the world- the REDFISH WORLD- with you through the media of art, fashion, and music.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

My hometown is Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. It is a place where you can enjoy the seasons all year around. There are lots of nice places to walk around and eat, so I often go out on walks with my mom. The streets are lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts and other trinkets. With all of Kyoto’s charm packed into one place, Arashiyama is the place I am proud to call home.

 

With all of Kyoto’s charm packed into one place, Arashiyama is the place I am proud to call home.

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The main reason I’m glad I live in Kyoto is that it is full of galleries and museums. So, I’ve been surrounded by art and culture my whole life. I once went to see Yayoi Kusama’s art exhibit- it was remarkable. If I have to say one thing negative about Kyoto it is that the airport is a little far away.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Traditional, Food culture, International

 

How did you start your career in art?

The reason I got into art is thanks to Studio Ghibli and also my love of all things Korean. I first learned about the creative design industry through watching Korean music videos and looking at Korean CD covers. And when I was in high school, I dreamed of making my own Ghibli movie.

 

The reason I got into art is thanks to Studio Ghibli and also my love of all things Korean. I first learned about the creative design industry through watching Korean music videos and looking at Korean CD covers. And when I was in high school, I dreamed of making my own Ghibli movie.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

It has been 5 years since I started working as an artist, but my parents have been against it for the most part. Recently, they have slowly begun to support me. But I still need to develop my skills, so I want to keep improving bit by bit.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

My dream is to be active internationally! I’d like to do a world tour with my work “REDFISH WORLD” and hold exhibitions in many countries.

 

My dream is to be active internationally! I’d like to do a world tour with my work “REDFISH WORLD” and hold exhibitions in many countries.

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Korean singers. I love Korean artists, so I’d really like to do a collaboration with a Korean artist on their album cover. And, not a person, but I’d like to do work for an amusement park. I’ve loved amusement parks since I was little, and I always enjoyed looking at the ride’s sets and decorations as much as the rides themselves. So, I’d like to do some kind of work related to amusement parks one day.

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

I’d like to try doing work in Korea, Taiwan, and other areas in Asia. Also, I’d like to try moving into the fields of music and fashion. I would like to host solo exhibitions in those places, communicate directly with the people who live there, and tell them all about REDFISH.

 

Around me are plenty of strong women with strong opinions.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Around me are plenty of strong women with strong opinions.

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Ms. Yayoi Kusama. Ms. Yayoi Kusama graduated from a university in Kyoto, so I have had many chances to view her works up close.

 

Rather than your goal being to become a professional illustrator, I think what is important is to continue to create works that are your own. To do that, you must have a skill to search for and explore the things you love. It is important to make earnest efforts towards what is yours. If you do that, your dreams will never be out of reach.

 

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Rather than your goal being to become a professional illustrator, I think what is important is to continue to create works that are your own. To do that, you must have a skill to search for and explore the things you love. It is important to make earnest efforts towards what is yours. If you do that, your dreams will never be out of reach.

 

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What type of music do you like to listen to?

K-POP, I like Red Velvet, EXO, and ITZY.

 

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Café Machiko is a pleasant café inside a renovated traditional Japanese house. Café Machiko is the place I spent days of my youth during high school. It was my place of repose in many ways. I would go there to study for tests, or stop by on my way home after club activities. I recommend the Loco Moco rice bowl or Mix plate combo. It’s really good, so I want everyone to try it if they have a chance to visit Kyoto.

 

Deborah Lee asks: What do you like most about your work?

When I’m drawing things that are not of this world. Illustration is a magic tool that allows you to create your own world.

 

Lilian Darmono asks: If you can name one moment that’s a ‘turning point’ in your artistic career, what would that be?

When I was asked to design a t-shirt for dance club in my second year of high school. That was the first time I was asked to draw something that had a purpose. To combine two things I loved, dance and drawing, was a very happy moment for me. That’s when I realised I wanted to do this kind of work.

 

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

If you were reborn, what kind of career would you like to have?

 

 

Photos courtesy of REDFISH