LEANING INTO UNIQUE METHODS
Chiaki’s art has a clear technical proficiency, but what drew me to her work was, frankly, I had no idea how it was made. I had to double check it was hand-made, I mean, it can’t be… right? Not only are Chiaki’s works made through a meticulous hand-process, there’s so much soul and story IN the process itself. And even more impressive, it’s a method many of us learned as a kid and probably dismissed as we learned the methods taught in art school.
Chiaki took that method, full of childhood wonder, and brought it to new levels.
I was thrilled that she agreed to let us in on her story here.
Enjoy!
-Marc
Your work is just so unique. How did you discover the technique you use today?
I studied Fine Arts at MVCC (SUNY), but the scratching technique I use now isn’t something I learned there. It’s a method I was taught when I was a child. The use of color and the detailed way of drawing come from a range of experiences, and I feel that this is the approach that truly represents my work today.
The school she studied at — MVCC, part of the State University of New York system — is in Utica, a long way from where she grew up in Japan. That move happened before she enrolled, and it wasn’t about school first. It was about language and art and the pull of both
How would you describe what you make?
I create my works with oil pastel and scratching method.
Ed note: I remember my 3rd grade art teacher showing us this technique and, yes, drawing animals. But what Chiaki does with it defies what I thought possible.
When was the first time you called yourself a professional artist?
It was when I participated in an art event held throughout an entire hotel in 2012. I was selected as one of 100 artists, each given a hotel room to use as a solo exhibition space. Although I had only been working as a painter in Japan for a year, having the opportunity to present my own exhibition alongside professional artists was a significant milestone for me.
Most of us grew up without a role model in the art world. Was there a model for you in how to BE a professional artist?
A big influence on me was my high school art teacher, who submitted work to a Japanese major and prestigious exhibition every year. Seeing that level of dedication and professionalism made me start thinking about my future as an artist.
What did the people closest to you think when you started pursuing art? What do they think now?
At first, of course, they frowned. My parents, in particular, were office workers, so I think they were strongly against it. But now, they fully support me. My friends, on the other hand, have always been supportive. Even the fact that I went to New York instead of continuing school in Japan, simply because I loved English and art, seemed to interest them. They are so understanding with a lot of respect, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I feel so lucky to have such friends.
What’s the version of your origin story you almost never tell?
I remember being a very absent-minded child, but I was endlessly fascinated by everything around me. I could spend hours just observing insects, animals, and plants. Perhaps that sense of wonder eventually turned into an appreciation of their beauty. And that’s why I find myself still painting them today.
If you could go back and tell your earlier self one thing about the road ahead, what would it be?
I’d probably tell my younger self not to worry so much about the future. Even if you fail, life keeps going, things will work out, so you will be fine.
Is there anything else you want to add?
For my present and future, I want to keep challenging myself and exploring new ways of expressing my ideas. I hope to continue growing as an artist and sharing my vision with the world.
And we love sharing it here on Every Day Original!
Chiaki Akada shows with Every Day Original. You can find her work at