Nashy on her Debut Solo Exhibition "Moments" at Ki Gallery

Delve into the artistic world of Nashy in this interview that explores the artist’s creative journey and inspirations behind her inaugural solo exhibition, "Moments," hosted at Ki Gallery. This exhibition is currently on view until Thursday, December 28, 2023, welcoming all art enthusiasts with complimentary admission.

What inspired the theme of your exhibition, "Moments"?

Living in Niseko, the inspiration for the theme "Moments" came from simple everyday experiences. Whether it's going skiing, taking a stroll around the neighbourhood, or clearing the snow, these mundane activities became a wellspring of inspiration. The harsh winter slows everything down and gives me plenty of opportunities to fully soak in these moments that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Could you walk us through your creative process when working on pieces for this exhibition?

Many of my artworks are inspired by scenes I've encountered in Niseko. Due to the nature of my work, I spend a lot of time indoors, which can make me a bit of a homebody. However, I make sure to get outside, take walks, and go snowboarding in the winter. Even when visiting the supermarket or a nearby convenience store, I try to keep my mind open to inspiration, raising my antennae to observe the world around me. My best ideas come from the most unlikely places.

Are there any specific techniques or mediums you focused on for these artworks?

I do most of my drawing on just one iPad. Despite being digital, I try to achieve a warmth reminiscent of hand-carved prints - intentionally making the lines a bit shaky and adding textured layers.

What drew you to showcase your work at Ki Gallery in Niseko?

I was initially approached by Miyake-san, who used to be in the marketing department at Ki Niseko. She's an incredibly charming person, and I thought it would be fun to work together. I later discovered that Ki Gallery has hosted some incredible artists, including local legend Shigeru Tokumaru. As a personal hero and mentor, I was thrilled at the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. Toku-san promised to visit the exhibition which pushed me to make sure everything was perfect! These past few months have flown by in a whirlwind of preparations, but now that it's successfully come to fruition, I am filled with gratitude.

Can you share a bit about your artistic journey and how it has led to this exhibition?

My artistic journey feels like climbing a mountain, or rather more like walking steadily through the forest. Just focusing on the next step. When I looked up, I had reached the middle of the mountain, and it felt like the scenery had opened up a bit. It was there that I met Miyake-san, which led to this exhibition.

Have there been any significant influences on your artistic style or technique?

As I mentioned earlier, Shigeru Tokumaru has greatly influenced me. Well into his 80s, Toku-san freely paints the beauty of Niseko's nature and has inspired me not only with his art but also his friendly and kind personality. I often visit him and always leave with a new perspective. Gems such as 'No matter how good the painting is, if the artist isn’t a good person, I won't buy their art!', and 'Ultimately, art is a one-on-one conversation…even if it’s not popular, if a piece resonates with one person, that’s enough.' I truly believe that. Both in my art and personal growth, I'm still a work in progress, but Toku-san feels like a guiding North Star. I aspire to enjoy this journey with a long-term perspective and to keep drawing for a lifetime, just like him.

What emotions or messages do you hope viewers will take away from your exhibition?

I’d love viewers to stop, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment together.

Is there a particular feeling or response you aim to evoke through your art?

That feeling of time stretching on and on was so common in childhood but so hard to recapture as an adult.

Do you have a favourite piece in this collection, and if so, what makes it special to you?

My favourite is 'Just Another Day in Hirafu.' The kittens in that piece literally forced me to slow down - which I realised later was exactly what I needed. 'Time to Enjoy the View' is another favourite for the same reason. Both pieces capture the essence of actual scenes in my life when I felt the importance of stopping to savour the moment.

How do you envision your audience interacting with your artwork in this exhibition?

I’d be delighted if my work could have a conversation with the inner child of those who stop to spend a moment together.

What were some of the challenges (if any) you faced while creating this body of work?

As this was my debut solo exhibition, I faced some internal struggles. I felt a bit out of place because I didn't possess the typical "artist qualities" that people expect, like elaborate techniques or an eccentric demeanour. I'm just an ordinary person with an iPad. My husband gave me the courage to put my digital work out there, reminding me that "People will value your ideas, no matter what the medium is.”

On the flip side, what were the most rewarding aspects of bringing this exhibition to life?

Working as a freelancer can be lonely, so getting to collaborate with many people to bring the exhibition to life was a lot of fun! The staff at Ki Niseko from various departments, the professionals who I rely on for printing and framing, my family, and even friends supported me by taking care of household chores and babysitting, allowing me to focus on the project. I feel grateful and indebted to everyone who made this possible. It's a collection of precious moments.