As revealed in the July issue, Yokohama Seasider Magazine has embarked on several significant initiatives including our transition toward Non-Profit Organization (NPO) status. One of our goals is to support the growth in community arts projects connecting local and international artists with Kanagawa residents. In this first of a series of articles, we interview contemporary artist Eitoku Sugimori concerning a public wall mural painting project in downtown Yokohama.
How did you get involved with this project in Yokohama?
Through online art news, I read about Yokohama’s community art projects such as Koganecho Art Bazaar. I checked further to see if there were any other Yokohama organizations supporting art projects in the community and came upon 7artscafe. We then began discussions for several initiatives including a September art exhibition, a collaboration with EduArt children’s art classes held every month at the cafe, and most significantly, a community arts project that focuses on a large 4-story public mural on the side of the historic 1955 Okonogi #2 building.
What are your thoughts regarding community arts projects?
Art has the power to connect people without barriers such as nationality, age, or gender. I believe people make and build communities together, so there is no better way than through art to connect everyone together to beautify the surroundings and inspire creativity. I have been doing community-based art projects for many years. For example, during my exhibition and live painting events, I invite the audience to paint together with me on a very long canvas–up to twenty meters in length. Although I am an artist by profession, I feel everyone is capable of contributing to art and our natural surroundings–whether it is simply planting a flower along the river or adding a touch of color to an outside mural.
From your profile, you are passionate about education and working with young children. Can you elaborate on your teaching?
Yes, I work with young kindergarten children in various programs. I believe art is one of the most important activities for young children as it allows them to explore, dream, and imagine with just a simple pencil. These pioneering programs also allow children to explore outside art experiences–for example, painting public murals to transforming gardens and outdoor landscaping. These experiences have had a huge impact on my own work, especially my “Dreamer” series. I look forward to working with EduArt children on Sunday, September 18, our next monthly meeting.
Please tell us a bit about your background.
I have traditionally worked in metal casting and began working in several media for a 1999 solo exhibition in New York. My career really blossomed after this exhibition with subsequent exhibitions in New York and Europe. In 2002, I went to the United States as a researcher and special assistant at San Francisco State University. Currently, I am based both in New York and Yokohama continuing to create, teach and research as well as serve as a curator for arts events. I published a research book entitled “Japanese Patinas” in 2005, the first English book to introduce Japanese traditional coloring techniques to the West.
Your mural painting project is scheduled for the weekend of September 24 and 25. How have you prepared so far?
I first visited the area in July to explore the location and the building. Talking with many of the community members, I sensed their deep commitment to this historic area and their strong wish to enhance their surroundings. Having informal discussions with community members is really important for me to understand how people will perceive my final artwork. Although I will not decide on the image until the initial sketches are planned on September 17 and 18, my first visit has planted a seed of inspiration for the use of colors that would complement the building and the whole environment.
We understand that there is an ongoing fundraising campaign to cover the costs for this project? Can you elaborate?
As with many public art projects, raising money is always a huge step in the process to see the project to its fruition. 7artscafe has decided not to use crowdfunding, but instead has embarked on a fundraising campaign that provides donors with many benefits–a very common strategy found in the United States and Europe–most importantly, investing in the community and supporting the arts.
Eitoku Sugimori will paint the Okonogi Building #2 four-story wall on September 24 and 25, 2022. Visitors are welcome anytime during this period to attend. The building, which is home to 7artscafe, is a five-minute walk from Hinodecho Station.