Life And Art in Tokyo
An interview with Eriko Taira, director and founder of Create Line Ltd; an art consultancy business in Tokyo. When I think of Eriko I think of a sketch she showed me once, of a smiling girl with one larger foot stepping out towards you– who better to let us into the Tokyo art world than someone whose caricature sums up her intrepid nature, but with all the grace, charm and humour of youth.
Eriko, I’ve know you since our art student days, but I don’t know if I’ve ever asked you what sparked your interest in art? Looking back, when did this love of art first begin?
Thank you Lorna. It was when I was 9 years old at primary school. There was a replica of the Mona Lisa in the art classroom. I used to sketch it and I found this very enjoyable.
When I encounter amazing art, I sometimes ask myself if deep down inside there is a frustrated artist who’d like to create art as well as write about it. Do you think there’s a part of you that really wants to be an artist?
Yes. I envy the ability of artists to express their thoughts and feelings through their work.
You’re quite entrepreneurial and always seem to be exploring new business ideas. In fact one part of your personality that I think many people must be surprised to discover is that behind the calm exterior is really a bit of an adventurer. Your business must keep you very busy, what is a typical day like for you?
I work with architects, interior designers and artists to create artistic spaces, both exterior and interior. A large part of my time is spent as an advisor, giving inspiration to the design by collaborating with artists. I also work a lot with PR companies introducing them to artists and musicians who give live performances for client events.
What has been your biggest joy/disappointment about the art world?
My biggest joy is when I am moved by an artist’s work and I manage to communicate this joy to a client. I am disappointed when an artist’s work is judged by his or her fame or other artificial factors and not by the quality of the work.
Lots of periods in art are described as “The Golden Age” - What era in art would be your “Golden Age”?
This is a very difficult question. In western art I must say 17th century Holland because I am a big fan of Rembrandt. In Japan it would have to be Edo era, Genroku period as the arts flourished in the most exciting and spectacular way.
Give us a real flavour of working and living in Tokyo. How would you describe the Tokyo art scene?
Tokyo is a changing city. Forgive the abstract expression but I feel that the atmosphere is soft compared to other cities. In the same way the Tokyo art scene has a soft impression. There is also a borderless approach to contemporary art, as the artists try different media and genre for expressing their art without being restricted.
You’ve spent many years living in the UK, what differences have you noticed between the Japanese and British art scenes?
I find the British art scene hard and crisp and more easy to categorize. The art scene in Japan is soft and the artists do not really have an international outlook. The audience also are quite partial.
I know you’ve had some interesting hobbies (difficult clients aren’t a problem when you have a third dan in kendo and trained with the police force isn’t that right Eriko?), so when you get time away from your business how do you like to unwind?
I was active in kendo from 12 years old to 20 years old. Before I went to the UK I was practising with the police force in Tokyo. The reason I was interested in kendo was because although practice was hard I felt stronger mentally and physically and learnt about self-discipline. I have not been doing kendo recently and I like to relax by cooking and enjoy food and drinking with friends.
What art book would you like to write?
I would like to collaborate with artists and make a book which would educate children about the joys of art.
Art is the means by which life reflects on, transforms and indeed creates its values; human life without it would not properly be human at all.
Antony Gormley
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The poeticism and atmosphere of this work (top image) by Eiji is exactly what I imagine when I think of Japanese art. There's often a mood and undercurrent of something else, in this case disquiet. It is beautiful, thought-provoking, but at the same time unsettling.
Images courtesy of Create Line Ltd. Works by the following artists accompanied the original article:
By Eiji Suzuki
By Kazuhito Sahara
By Ryo Matsuoka (bottom image)