I’ve always said that I wanted to work with ANA.
—Do you ever draw inspiration from your travels, or do they influence your creative work?
Stephan: When I travel, I carefully observe the people and scenery of the places I visit and draw them. I also compile the drawings I create during those trips and publish them as artist books.
Stephan: I also often get ideas for works that incorporate text from my travels. For example, in this collaboration, I created a piece called “Mt FUJI SAN WINDOW SEAT,” which was also inspired by a flight. That’s because when I’m flying to Haneda on a morning flight, if the weather is good, I can see a beautiful view of Mount Fuji from window seat A.
—So you're reserving a Seat A for Mt. Fuji, right?
Stephan: Whenever I fly, I always choose my seat based on which direction the plane will land from and what route it will take on its approach.
—What do you do to pass the time while you're on a plane?
Stephan: I read books, draw, and watch movies. Since I don’t go to movie theaters much these days, I’ve been watching movies on planes more often. Other than that, I think about where I’m going or reflect on the movies I’ve seen. I don’t really do anything special.
—What is your impression of ?
Stephan: I flew on an ANA flight for the first time about three years ago. It was a Dreamliner (Boeing 787) with a special Star Wars livery. Even the cups used for the in-flight service had a special design, and I was really impressed by that.
I’ve been thinking that someday I’d like to try painting a design on an airplane, but Lufthansa—the airline I fly with often—doesn’t really do those kinds of special liveries.
—You’ve collaborated with Lufthansa in the past, haven’t you?
Stephan: My work was selected for display at the Lufthansa VIP lounge at Art Basel, where it was showcased on a grand scale. After that, I designed pajamas for first-class passengers. I was given only two weeks to complete the project—it was a short timeframe, but...
—But as an airplane enthusiast, doesn't it still make you feel something special?
Stephan: Of course. Actually, I’ve been saying for a long time that I wanted to work with ANA—long before the collaboration with Lufthansa. So when I was offered this opportunity, I was absolutely thrilled.
—What were your impressions after actually working there?
Stephan: They were very open to my work. The finished items turned out truly wonderful, and I really love them. Considering that we were able to collaborate just in time for “BEAMS’” anniversary, I think it turned out to be a really great project.
—This time, Kohei Ohkita, designer at “Vinyl Archive” and director of “Salt and Pepper,” is serving as the project director.
Here’s a photo of the three of us—me, my longtime friend Stefan, and Kohei Ohkita (right), who directed this event, along with TKC (left), a buyer for BEAMS T.
Stephan: Kohei has always been a fan of my work. In the past, we’ve collaborated on T-shirts, and I even got to design the logo for “Salt and Pepper.” We both love artist books and have a lot in common. Plus, his design skills are truly amazing, so this time I just provided the drawings and left the rest of the design entirely up to him.
AIRPLANE T-Shirt ¥9,350
DREAMING OF HANEDA T-Shirt ¥9,350
FLOW T-Shirt ¥9,350
MT FUJI T-Shirt ¥9,350
SUNRISE & SUNSET T-Shirt ¥9,350
AIRPLANE Multi Shoulder Pouch ¥9,350
AIRPLANE Travel Storage Bags ( (3-piece set), ), ¥ 22,000
*This item is sold as a set of three: 1 L size (top row) and 2 S sizes (bottom row).
—That just shows how much trust people have in Mr. Ohkita.
Stephan: He’s the best collaborator I could ask for. I can’t wait to see how my designs will be transformed into products by a talented designer like Kohei.
—An event was also held at “BEAMS T” this time. Do you have any special feelings about T-shirts serving as a canvas for your artwork?
Stephan: I think it's truly wonderful. It's not a one-of-a-kind piece like a work of art; many people can own it, and the artwork travels along with each person who picks up that T-shirt throughout their life. You can't predict where the artwork will end up, nor can you control it. But I think that's what makes it so great.
—It’s also a kind of communication tool, isn’t it?
Stephan: One of my friends actually met his future wife because he was wearing a T-shirt with one of my designs on it. Their relationship began when she struck up a conversation with him about that T-shirt.
—Wow! That's such a wonderful story.
Stephan: I also love how I tend to hold onto a single T-shirt for years. You know how there are those T-shirts you just can’t bring yourself to throw away, even when they’re already falling apart? The sentiment behind those items is truly beautiful, and in the sense that they last a long time, they’re also, in a way, very sustainable.
It becomes tied to the time I spent wearing that T-shirt and the memories created during that time, and it also allows me to connect with people through the T-shirt. Even without saying a word, wearing a T-shirt lets you express something, doesn’t it? That’s what I love about it.
—There was also a live painting session at the event. Are you comfortable painting with people around you?
Stephan: To be honest, it’s not really my strong suit. But at this shop, everyone kept a respectful distance while watching over me. So I was able to draw in a really nice atmosphere.
—I was struck by how you drew the eyes toward the end. When it comes to drawing characters, are the eyes really that important?
Stephan: That's right. Drawing the eyes is like breathing life into the character—it's when the character truly comes to life. That's why the timing of drawing the eyes is really important.
