Name: Atelier*Zephyr (Hisako)

What came first in your life, science or art?

I like drawing since childhood. Additionally, I grew up reading encyclopedias and illustrated books, which were already in my home. I’ve always enjoyed looking at ants’ nests, going out with insect nets to catch cicadas, and looking at phytoplankton under a microscope, and that hasn’t changed even as an adult. So I think art and science belonged together, at least in my childhood.

At first, I wanted to be a person who drew illustrations for illustrated books. However, as I entered adolescence, I became interested in abstract painting and other forms of art, so I enrolled in a local junior college of art, and after graduating, I began abstract painting while working at a second job. Like continued his creative activities.

On the other hand, the idea of ​​creating artworks using my favorite plants and animals as motifs has always been in the corner of my mind. After many ups and downs, I now create artworks by observing, sketching and photographing familiar birds and plants found in the city where I live.

Which sciences relate to your art practice?

I think biology influences my artistic activities in general. Since my student days, when I was making abstract paintings, I have often been inspired by living things and the natural world.

What materials do you use to create your artworks?

I use both hand-painting and digital techniques.

Acrylic paint, watercolor, colored pencil… I feel like there’s still a lot for me to learn, especially in digital illustration.

In my work using glass bottles, I use different materials such as polymer clay and paper. Paper is a particularly important material, and I prepare a variety of papers and choose one that most closely resembles the texture of the motif I want to create. Flower petals, fallen leaves, grass, rotting wood… Depending on the choice of paper, I can express different types of plants in particular. It’s fun to discover new ways to express yourself in the process of creating.

On the other hand, due to their miniature size, the size of each component ranges from only a few millimeters to a few centimeters. If I’m not careful, they can go flying off the breath of my nose or the slightest movement. So, when I focus on myself, sometimes I hold my breath and keep working all the time!

Artwork/exhibition you are most proud of:

I have exhibited and sold my creations not only in galleries but also in department stores and multi-brand shops.
Therefore, sometimes people who are not very interested in living things come to see my works. One of my joys is that these people find my work interesting and they listen to my stories about nature and living things.

Which scientists and/or artists inspire you and/or influence you?

There are so many that it’s hard to choose, but Masayuki Yabuchiare one of my influences, as they often appeared in the illustrations of the illustrated books I read as a child. I have great respect for him because of his excellent observation and description skills.

Is there anything else you want to tell us?

Ever since I got sick about five years ago, I haven’t been able to use glass bottles as much as I’d like. Nevertheless, I am very grateful to all of you who are waiting for my new works.

I would also like to study the field of biology further and use it in my work.

For more information by Atelier*Zephyr, visit Website, BehanceAnd pinterest,

,
featured image: in the bush By Atelier*Zephyr
All images courtesy of the artist.