Interview
Shun Todoroki
Todoroki is a Japanese artist and musician.
He started painting in 2014, and soon after was selected in a competition to hold a solo exhibition based in Osaka.
Since then, Todoroki has sold works in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Spain.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and raised in Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. I've always loved singing since I was little, and was the kid who never let go of a toy microphone. Eventually I started playing the guitar, composing songs, writing lyrics, and I'm still playing music. I started to be interested in drawing because of Taro Okamoto's book, which I happened to borrow from a friend. A passage in the book said, "Anyone can draw a picture. You have to draw it." Then I thought I should draw it.
At first, I used a pencil to draw with random lines that looked like graffiti. Next, I wanted color, so I used a brush to draw the color on the canvas as I wanted. I had no knowledge or skill on how to use a brush. Above all, it was very troublesome to wash the brush. Then I thought to myself, what if I try to draw with my finger without using a brush? I put paint on my index finger and drew it on the canvas. At that moment, I felt an indescribable joy in myself. Since then, I've been drawing with my fingers. Feelings that cannot be expressed in words are expressed on canvas in the form of colors.”
What inspires you most?
“A passage in a certain movie. Flowers blooming on the roadside. The smell of vegetation. The music of the game I used to like. The color of the sky. Human beings in modern society. Emotions, hearts. Things that are familiar and casual are always inspiring.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“There are times when there is a theme and times when there is no theme. Works that are impulsively drawn. For example, when I want to draw a blue picture, there is no theme there, just blue in my head. If there is a message, it is the title of the work. The title describes all of the work.”
“All the works are drawn with my fingers. Some works use artificial flowers and manicures. For each work, I choose the means and method faithfully to what I want to express.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I would say Taro Okamoto, a Japanese artist. If this person didn't exist, or if I didn't know this person, I wouldn't have painted.”
What is your creative process like?
“First, I imagine the color, deciding which color to put in what shape and where. After that, I will choose the color while drawing on the canvas. I don't do any drafts. The title of the work is also very important. Sometimes it is decided before drawing, and other times it is decided after drawing.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I don't think the artist has a role. It is enough if the work I draw becomes a little source of heart for people to live in society. Art is nothing special. It may have been thought to be prestigious in the past, but nowadays anyone can express themselves through art.”
