Make Space artist Hiroko Imada answers our probing questions…
Who are you and explain what you do in 100 words? My name is Hiroko Imada. I am a Japanese artist based in London. I am a painter, printmaker and site specific installation artist. I enjoy using traditional Japanese art technique elements with a contemporary twist on my work and as well as creating my own art pieces. I have been teaching Japanese Woodblock printmaking, paper making, folded screen making and hanging scroll making for museums, art galleries and schools.
What’s your background? My initial study was at the Tokyo Zokei University in Japan then I moved to London to study at the Slade School of Fine Art (UCL) in Postgraduate Printmaking. I granted the British Council Fellowship to do my own research at the Slade after completing the course and this extra year allowed me able to stay in the U.K. on self-employed artist visa and eventually I was granted Indefinite remain in the U.K. in 1997.
What role does art have in society? Art has the power to appeal to anyone regardless of race, nationality, language, wealths etc and in a society its power should bring people together for a good will.
What’s your favourite piece of art? A very difficult question to answer as it changes from time to time. At the moment, my favorite piece of art is ‘Pine Trees’ by Tohaku Hasegawa. I always feel very relaxed and refreshed by seeing this picture.
Why art? Because I love it and it is the best way for me to express myself within my ability.
What superpower would you have and why? I do not think I want any superpower. It is very scary to have an unusual power!
What talent do you yearn for? Ballet. For my 89 years old teacher’s sake, I would like to be a better dancer!
What is your dream project? To work on a project with Dance, Music and Art together directed by myself. It will never happen as I have no talent to become a director!
Best piece of advice you’ve been given? Keep doing!
Professionally, what’s your goal? I am not setting a specific goal but my aim is always creating a better work than yesterday.
What wouldn’t you do without? The work I love, my family and friends.
What does Make Space mean to you? Make Space is a wonderful community with very friendly, professional, and hardworking people in all sorts of art and design styles and since I moved here in April 2014, I have been given lots of supports and help by members and I cannot thank them enough. I am really grateful to be a part of this community.
Hiroko Imada
(今田 裕子)
