Today we’d like to introduce you to Naoshi.
Hi Naoshi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Iwate Prefecture, a region in northern Japan. As a kid, I loved reading comic books and watching Japanese comedy shows.
I came across a book featuring a collection of works by Kin Shiotani (https://kinshio.com), an illustrator and writer. The unique, freehand style of this travel-loving artist left a deep impression on me. I later got to meet him, and he ended up becoming my mentor. Crossing paths with him opened the door for me to immerse myself in the world of art, and thus my life as an artist began in 2004. Since 2007, I’ve continued to exhibit works in Japan, the United States, Italy, France, England, Germany, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and other countries.
A turning point in my life came in 2012 when I fell off a ladder at home and suffered a serious injury that shattered my back. I was bedridden in the hospital and unable to move as I wanted. Although I felt completely helpless, I became determined to try all the things I had wanted to do because if my life could change so drastically in the blink of an eye, why should I wait any longer to challenge myself? In 2014, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I continue to take on new challenges to this day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I faced some obstacles when pursuing higher education and employment and suffered a serious injury when I fractured my back. After moving to the U.S., the differences in language and culture were intimidating at first, and I spent many days wondering if I would ever make it as an artist. Through it all, I kept creating art and taking concrete actions. As a result, I was able to meet so many supportive people, and I am now in a place where I can continue to chase my dreams with a positive outlook!
Looking back, I can see now that certain experiences ended up being a turning point so I’m glad they happened, but I have mixed feelings because I never want to go through those hardships again, haha.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This year marks my 20th year making sand art, a practice I started in 2004. I’ve been working hard on a variety of projects in the U.S. and overseas. In 2021, I produced a tarot card deck and participated in a group exhibition in France; in 2022, I designed and illustrated playing cards for the FLICK SOLITAIRE app by a company based in the UK, and in 2023 I participated in Art Taipei in Taiwan and exhibited work at and did a sand art workshop as part of the Warbie Yama exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand.
The experience of transcending language barriers and connecting with people through art is a joy I wouldn’t trade for anything.
My second picture book, “TAKO KNOWS”, which I had been working on since 2019, was published by Overcup Press, and I did book signings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland in 2023. In the summer of 2024, I’ll be doing solo exhibitions, book signings, pop-ups, and sand art workshops at Bear and Bird Boutique + Gallery (NY) and Taylor Books (WV). Traveling with my picture book is what I’m most looking forward to!!
I opened a specialty sand art webshop called “Sunaeya”.
With the help of my family in Japan, I offer sand art workshops in Japan and the U.S. and sell sand art DIY kits with the hope that many more people will be able to enjoy sand art!
I’m going to keep working to share my art with more people and put a smile on their faces with the things I create!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
When I tell people my work is made from sand, they often ask, “What do you mean?” and take a closer look at the art in surprise. The fact that the art is created with sand makes my work unique.
The sand is smooth to the touch, and the colorful, shiny grains bring me comfort and energy. The medium suits my detail-oriented personality, and even after 20 years, I’m always excited to make sand art!
Someone once said during a sand art workshop that making art with sand is like meditating. Perhaps the act of holding the sand in your hand, concentrating as you sprinkle it over a blank canvas, and then experiencing the surprise and joy of seeing the vibrant colors all come together gives you a sense of accomplishment and has relaxing effects. I encourage everyone to try making sand art!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nao-shi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naoshisunae/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naoshi.sunae/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUNAEartistNAOSHI
