Art On - Vol.1 with Nanami Cowdroy
Welcome to the first in a series of several interviews with our GelaSkins artists called Art On - This week... Nanami Cowdroy, the brains behind Kintoto Blot, Ink Pond and Blowfish.
There are some things that happen in life that lack noteworthiness and somethings are indelibly marked upon your gray matter. For me, the first time I had a creme brulee abolutely shatter any expectation of what a dessert or food could achieve in flavour, texture and pure simplicity. This is also true of the first time I heard the dulcet tones of Lennon and McCartney's songwriting. To this day there is still no artist or group that has surpassed them in my eyes (ears). This seemed to be one of those situations when I saw Nanami's art for the first time.
I very much remember stumbling across Nanami's website and being awestruck at the intricacies of her work. I believe it was the piece Drifter that had caught my eye, a work that captures an inner city scape from a fish eye perspective, absolutely stunning! It was really a no-brainer for us, we had to get her on board.
I had a chance to ask Nanami a few questions this week and here's what she said...
GS: How would you describe your style?
NC: I enjoy creating intricate and inky interpretations of objects, environments and creatures. My main style is a hand generated combination of fluid lines, elaborate forms and detail - it's what I love to create and illustrate. Generally I'm pretty black and white about things with the occasional grey area.
I use mixed media such as pencil, ink, watercolour, spray paint, collage and the computer. I really enjoy combining these elements in such a way as to give the images and subjects a raw look and feel to them. I especially love black ink, I feel it helps create a bold, visual richness and sense of strength to an image. I am especially drawn to delicate and exotic types of subjects which I love to beef up and intensify.
GS: What inspires your works? A particular neighborhood? A Band? Certain food? Robots? A band of robots that sings about food?
NC: Robotic Culinary Choir - Great idea! goodness so many things... music (Radiohead, Pink Floyd) , fashion, exotic places (Tokyo especially), local streets, memories, creatures / characters, other artists.... but most of all my feelings and emotions. Also, as I was brought up with a mixed background of different cultures both European and Japanese, I've been exposed to quite a mixed influence and have a deep appreciation and love of Japanese aesthetics, plus I have a soft spot for fishies.
GS: What is the art scene like in Sydney?
NC: There has always been great support and opportunities for upcoming artists here which I feel is very encouraging and embracing. The number of people who are interested in art really makes such a difference - in that artists are supported by a wide range of people from all walks of life, interest comes from everywhere! I've also found that generally artists do encourage each other with advice and friendship which helps so much and helps each other to develop. There is also no shortage of very talented artists in this great city that's for sure! I'm always impressed and blown away by what I see around at various exhibitions... it's very inspiring.
GS: Who are your heroes, besides GelaSkins, and why?
NC: Definitely Gelaskins... have you heard of them at all ? Love their work !!
Also, coming from quite an artistic and creative family of political cartoonists, fine artists, graphic designers, photographers and writers... not wanting to sound cliche - but it is my parents and especially my dad. From when I was an ankle biter until now, he was always my number 1 supporter, critic and guide. He always encouraged me to follow my dream of pursuing a creative path, I am very lucky girl.
GS: What is your favorite recipe?
NC: Fowl Ka-Pow! as nicknamed by my friends (otherwise known as 5 spice chicken)
So simple and delicious, it's a pretty fail safe recipe of a whole chicken marinated in soy sauce, chinese 5 spice powder, garlic and olive oil and then baked in the oven for around an hour, served with rice and greens... It's not quite 'Iron Chef' material but it's still a winner none the less! just the thought is making me chew my pen!
Thanks Nanami! To get some of her AWESOME GelaSkins, now in iPhone and RAZR flavours, click here
Next time....Chuck "Swimming" Trunks, the genius behind Endless Summer and Deal Breakers!
