My Article on the Web Magazine “École des Artistes” / Part I
- noisette1223
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
An article featuring me and my works has been published on the web magazine “l’École des Artistes” as "an french-speaking Artist in Japan" .
In the article, I answered questions about my encounter with art, my connection to France, my sources of inspiration, etc. and the role of art in my life.
Replying to these questions made me reflect on things I had never considered before and led to new discoveries about myself and my artistic journey.
Several of my works are also featured in the article. It would be my pleasure if you took the time to have a look:
🔗 https://ecoleartistes.com/artistes-francais-et-francophones-du-japon-atsuko-kawamata-peintre-de-paysage-tokyo/
The text was written by me and corrected by Ms. Catherine Lemaître, a professor in the art course I am currently taking at “Institut Français”.
“l’École des Artistes” is managed by Ms. Lemaître along with three other art specialists.
(Please find the English translation below. I’m posting this article by dividing into 2 parts.)
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A French-speaking Artist from Japan: Atsuko Kawamata, Landscape Painter (Tokyo) / Part I
＜Your First Contact with Art＞
I was raised in an environment to which art was never related, so I remained unaware of it until adulthood.
However, even as a child, I loved playing with beautiful color combinations. I enjoyed sewing, embroidery, and knitting.
My first artistic experience came during a trip to Europe at the end of my university studies. I was swept away by the beauty of fine art and architecture.
＜What Makes You an Artist＞
I never set out to become an artist - this is simply where life led me.
Painting is the most natural and liberating activity for me. I realized that through painting, I could live a fuller, happier life.
Over time, I also discovered that by joyfully painting the things I love - particularly my travels in Europe - I could share that joy with others.
Until I became an adult, I was sometimes not accepted as I was often considered “different.” At times, I was told to be like everyone else.
But as an adult, after I began painting, I realized that art removes the sense of superiority or inferiority among people.
Through art, I discovered that it’s okay to be unique and different. We don’t need to fit in with everyone else.
＜YOUR BACKGROUND＞
I am more or less self-taught, without formal training.
In my thirties, I took a painting class where I learned how to use materials and tools.
From there, I began painting European landscapes I had seen with my own eyes and started exhibiting my works independently in galleries, restaurants, and other venues, mainly in Tokyo.
＜YOU AND FRANCE＞
When I traveled to Europe after finishing university, I was deeply fascinated by French, Italian, and Spanish culture and art in particular.
I wanted to learn French so I could communicate with people directly.
I’ve never lived in France, but I’ve traveled there many times for short stays.
＜YOUR SOURCES OF INSPIRATION＞
Journeys in Europe.
The atmosphere and colors of towns and villages, especially the colors of the Mediterranean.
As for artists, I’m particularly fond of 20th-century artists like Matisse, Picasso, Nicolas de Staël, and the Fauves.
＜MY DREAM＞
To continue traveling in Europe and to share the joy of journeys through my paintings.
I would also love to present my work in France, which would mean living during an extended period there.
＜THE ROLE OF ART＞
Art works should move people emotionally, touch their hearts in some way.
＊In Part 2, I'll share the English translations of my artwork descriptions from the main text of “l’École des Artistes”.
