03：Takuya Kamioka x Sun & Ate
PROFILE
Artist and illustrator born in Tokyo in 1985, graduated from Kuwasawa Design School in 2008 and started working as a freelance artist. In addition to visuals for brands and companies, he has created artwork for eminent artists such as KOHH, Wednesday's Campanella, KANDYTOWN LIFE, and BADHOP.
kamioka-takuya.com
Instagram: @takuya_k_
. Top: Sun was hiding at first, but after some time, she got used to it and came out in front of the camera. Bottom left: Ate's feeding container is a ceramic pool made by " SON OF THE CHEESE. Bottom right: A mat purchased from L.L. Bean, placed by the window in the living room, with the names of the two cats embroidered in purple.
Because I work mostly from home , I am happy to be around for a long time.
The house, with its large windows that let in lots of natural light, also serves as a workshop, and is where Kamioka spends the most time in his life. Surrounded by his paintings and favorite works of art, he spends his daily life with his two beloved cats, which is an irreplaceable part of his life.
Sun is timid or cautious and doesn't come out much, but Aete is surprisingly friendly!
Ueoka:Yes, I guess she is still very cautious because she is a big sister.
Please tell us why you brought them in.
Ueoka:Pico was originally owned by my wife, so he was like a stepchild to me. She was the one who gave him his name. While living with Pico, I decided that I wanted to adopt another cat, so I went to a shelter in Chiba Prefecture and met Muchan.
What is the origin of the name "ete"?
Ueoka:Aete (este) comes from the Spanish word ESTE, which in English has a THIS kind of connotation. When I was in Cuba once, a lady selling accessories at a roadside stall kept calling out "ESTE! ESTE!" and I liked it, so I named it after her. I call her Muchan because she is fat and whip-smart (laughs).
What are some of the best moments of living with San and Ate?
Ueoka:Every day was good (laughs). (Laughs) . My wife has an office in another place, and I do most of my work at home. I spend a lot of time alone, but thanks to Pico and Muchan, I feel that my daily life has become richer and more enjoyable. Especially since the Corona disaster, there are days when I don't even step out of the house, so I feel very relaxed.
Conversely, what do you do when you are away from home for a long period of time, such as on vacation?
Ueoka:If it is for a day or two, I may leave more food and water, but if it is more than that, I leave it with a relative who lives nearby.
Top right/ The nail grinder is a custom-made frame made from materials bought from a store because the commercial ones looked cheap. He loves the string toy at his feet that he bought at Don Quijote, and he has been doing it all his life (laughs). Below/ The sofa placed in the living room was purchased by selecting one that is resistant to scratches from cats scratching it with their claws.
What are you proud of in San and Aetna?
Ueoka:I always think Pico has a cute face. Of course, Muchachan is cute, too (laughs) .
Do they have any food favorites?
Ueoka:The main food I feed him is Neutro™ cat food. So far, he seems to like eating it. He also loves "Chaochu-ru," but I sometimes give it to him as a treat, considering its health and calorie content! . I buy food at convenience stores or order it online.
. Please tell us what makes Sun and Ate happy and what is your favorite place at home.
Ueoka:The cats are moody, but Pico and Muchan basically want to be bothered. They always come close to me and seem to want my company. They often sleep on the sofa during the daytime and by the window when the sun is shining comfortably on a sunny day. His favorite place seems to change depending on the time of day, and when I watch him, I can see that he seems to be circling around his favorite place, which is somehow fixed. . Also, I guess cats in general are like that, but they also like to sleep in a small space.
Do you have any items for cats that you are targeting?
Ueoka:Nothing in particular , but I would rather build a cat tower than buy a commercial one (laughs).
I would like to see the cat tower you make, Mr. Kamioka! . Do you have any advice for people who are thinking about getting a cat in the future?
Ueoka:I think it is a good idea to look into not only going to pet stores, but also accepting shelters and other shelter canines and cats. When you take them in from a shalter, you will also need various documents such as a house, but I think that you want them to go to someone who is that responsible and willing to help. Please consider a shelter canine or shelter cat!
