Studio Visit with Chiyoko Myose
- Tell me about your latest project.
I have been working on a series of
paintings with the title of ‘Sojourning’.
I am expressing my longing for a place to fully call home, suggesting
aspects like place, memory, and seeking.
I am also exploring installation art which I will mention later.
2.
Give me three adjectives that sum up your current work or studio
experiences.
Evocative,
Close to my heart, Contemplative.
- How does this relate to your earlier work?
All the paintings of this body of work
have the same system of three layers. Each layer expresses a different facet of
the reality of my life as a sojourner. The
overall image is a conceptual landscape reflecting the map of my own journey. Although I keep the specific meanings of the
elements enigmatic, I hope the viewers relate to the broader theme, interpret the
images themselves and make their own journey, or enjoy the images just like
listening to their own favorite music.
- What artists are currently influencing your work?
I am influenced by different types of
artists for this current work. They
include Hiroshi Sugito with stage-like landscape, Reed Danziger with decorative
motifs, and Thomas Nozkowski with inventive and enigmatic abstraction. I always like Paul Klee. Also, I don’t want to forget basic color
theory such as Hans Hofmann’s color push and pull, and Joseph Albers’ color
relativity / interaction. These color
effects remind me of some personal meanings to me. I love color, and am fascinated by the
mystery of color every time I paint.
- What other (visual, conceptual, technical) influences inform your artistic practice?
My everyday experiences as a ‘sojourner’
inspire the concept of this work. Also, conversations
with other people who share a similar situation inspire me, too.
I am also exploring installation art for
the same theme. With my installation
art, rather than deciding on a specific concept beforehand, I try to be
responsive to the site and the materials first.
I sometimes start working without knowing what the finished image will
be like. While I am executing, I often gain
insight into the life of a sojourner, which can be eye-opening and rewarding.
6. If you were not maintaining your artistic
practice, what would you be doing instead?
I would be doing blogging heavily.
