Ken WADA — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Apr 21

Apr 21 Ken WADA

Biography and Artist Statement

b. 1963
I reside and work in Kitakaruizawa, Japan.
I regard myself as a water-based drawing artist.
I work in my studio in the forest with an altitude of 1100m.
So I have always been inspired by rural beauty, particularly deep forests and the trees that surround my studio.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

I worked as a teacher for 15 years, so when I retired from the teacher, this time, that is, my second life, I really wanted to do a creative job. And at such times, my career in art suddenly started at the age of 39 when I heard my inner voice. The revelation told me to do work on color and shape/form.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I regard myself as a water-based drawing artist.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

I draw abstract paintings, so I would like the viewer to feel free my artworks. That's why I don't want to explain too much about my works.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

Yes, I take notes of the creative process almost every day and record them in my notebook, so I think I can explain it.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?

After all, I think it's the first day of the process. When I drop my first paint on a pure white canvas, I really feel good!
Then, unfortunately, I rarely see the results of the day with satisfaction. But still, I’m happy to look at the new colors and shapes that came out at the end of the day. Of course, the joy of seeing the finished artwork in the studio is exceptional! At that time, I am truly relieved from the bottom of my heart.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

Now I am participating in VIRTUAL ART FAIR 2021 organized by CONTEMPORARY ART STATION. (The Art Show is held by the London- based organization from April 1st to June 1st, 2021.)

I exhibited my latest eight artworks from last year at the Virtual Booth. This is my first participation in Virtual Exhibition/Art Fair in my artist career, that’s why I’m very excited! And I found such an online exhibition to be a great solution in this difficult situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, please imagine and follow what I’m thinking about right now.

There is a small gallery in the forest...,
The walls of the gallery are green...,
The season is spring...,
A lot of butterflies are flying in the garden..., Many flowers are in full bloom...,

New green leaves are very beautiful...,
And when you open the door of the gallery, you can hear the sound of a doorbell.
Then, you can find a mysterious cat at the entrance...,
And the cat guides you through the rooms...,
My artworks are hung on the walls...,
You can see the paintings and labels well by clicking...,
There is a small sofa in the living room...,
And you can also drink a cup of tea/coffee there...,
There is a donation box at the exit, and if you like this solo show, you can donate voluntarily.
Of course, you are free to choose whether to donate or not.
But now the artists are in this pandemic, have no income and their lives are very difficult, so the donations will help their lives.

Then, I have already considered the autumn version of this gallery.
It means, my idea is to hold a solo exhibition at this gallery in the forest at least twice a year, in spring and autumn.
Unfortunately, I don’t have this kind of computer technology, so I would be very happy if anyone could create such a virtual gallery.
I would like to work with him/her, and we do it all virtually!
It’s my current projects and inspiration.

Website: https://kenwada2.com