Meet new IAVA member Rei Sato. We asked Rei a few questions about her art practice.
What was your earliest memory of an interaction with Art?
When I was about 3, I thought that colour and shapes have an associated sound and feeling. I picked up a set of crayons and started drawing my impression of the sounds from outside. It was very interesting experiment…only problem was that I drew them on my families bedroom wall - My parents didn’t appreciate that at all!! Yet, I remember clearly I decided art is what I wanted to pursue.
My parents often drew and also my teacher at primary school painted professionally so we visited art galleries in Tokyo regularly when I was a child.
How would you describe your art practice? (Media; influences, approach?)
I get inspirations mostly from nature, especially the sky. I also get inspiration from my dreams. When I have a dream with interesting and vivid imagery, I incorporate it into my landscapes. I am also interested in painting portraits. It is a way to understand the person when you paint them. I paint mostly from life but sometimes just from my imagination. My works are mostly oil on canvas but I also do watercolours and drawings.
Do you have a favourite artist and/or artwork? What is it that makes them your favourite?
I have too many! But three of my favourites are:
Andrew Wyeth for the emotive quality and high level of technical skills;
Australian figurative painter, Robert Hannaford. His work gives you not only the image of the model with beautiful technique but also depicts the person’s life and emotions;
Chagall, who I love for his whimsical images and musicality.
Most recent adventure or achievement?
Adventure! I haven’t had that at all last two years (2020-2022. Going to a supermarket for grocery shopping was a big day out during Covid time for me…) I am certainly looking forward to many adventures in the future.
My recent achievement is to be a finalist in Wingercarribee Prize and Flow watercolour Prize in 2021.
Any current goals you’re working towards?
My current goal is keep leaning techniques and skills for realistic painting but also not being afraid to loosen up! I also would like to do some more watercolour works.
You can see some of my experiments in my Instagram page (@rei.s.art).
