artist yoshi47.
PROFILE
Born 1981 in Gifu , raised in Aichi . A member of the artist and creator group "81 Busters," he began breakdancing at the age of 16 and started his graffiti career at the same time. 20 years old, he moved to California, where he developed his art activities, including live painting and solo exhibitions. After returning to Japan, he continued to create artwork, attracting attention both in Japan and abroad. He enjoys surfing and goes to the ocean at least twice a week.
Instagram:@yoshi_47
Do you remember the first time you wore Vans?
In my case, maybe a little later than others, when I was 24 years old, I was working as a messenger in San Francisco alongside my art activities. A local shoe store sponsored me and gave me a pair of shoes of my choice from their store. The pair I chose at that time was the "SLIP-ON" by "Vans. I remember that they were easy to wear and did not slip off the pedals while pedaling.
What is the appeal of "Vans"?
There are many models with simple designs. I like to wear simple outfits, so they are easy to match. Also, when I look at the feet of people who wear "Vans," I can tell their style because the parts that wear out are different. These shoes give you a sense of the reality of the street.
What are the key points of customized design?
It's my art theory because it reflects the design I always draw, ....... I once heard the saying, "People with no talent use a lot of color. So a few years ago, in order to explore the limits of color, I held an experimental solo exhibition in which I exhibited colorful paintings of violent or crazy characters. Then the girls who came to the show said, "Cute!" I found it interesting and continued it as a series. I found it interesting and continued the series, but my way of thinking has changed since I started surfing. I wanted to create works that were simple and fun to look at, not works that fooled the viewer with their colors. . Since then, I have started to draw bright designs with cuteness. That is the point of my designs.
What will you do with the $25,000 prize money?
I would like to invest in a studio. . recently, I would like to try my hand at woodworking, so I would like to have some equipment.
What inspires you in your own work?
Surfing . Without it, I wouldn't know how to digest the frustration that builds up inside me. When I get in the water and then start creating, I can proceed with my brushstrokes in my own way, without any of the mumbo-jumbo.
What are your future plans?
I don't know if we can make it happen yet, but we are working to make Nagoya a city of art. I am working with the presidents of Nagoya-based companies that are expanding nationwide, and we are planning a project with art as the keyword. We want to create a city that is dotted with art, not museums and galleries, and to dispel the bad impression of Nagoya, which has twice in a row been ranked as the worst city not to visit. I myself am looking forward to seeing the plan to revitalize the city with street art take shape.
Click here to see the designs entered.
https://custom-culture.vans.com/ja_jp/design?submission_id=58842
