We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Satoko Okuno. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Satoko below.
Hi Satoko, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For self-care, I try to walk, explore the city, and breathe in the fresh air to refresh myself. Growing up in Tokyo, Japan, where walking and using public transportation is a daily norm, I developed a natural habit of exploring the city on foot. However, since moving to Los Angeles a few years ago, I’ve noticed that I walk less due to the car-centric lifestyle. While I’ve come to enjoy driving as a personal space to listen to music and podcasts, I still find it essential to walk outside and experience the city’s atmosphere. Walking is beneficial for both my physical and mental health. To ensure I get enough walking, I often go on mini hikes with my family or visit the zoo, which involves a lot of walking. Even when I have a specific destination, I sometimes park a bit further away to incorporate more walking into my day. During these walks, I often discover interesting and inspiring things around me.
Additionally, my two cats that I adopted from the shelter are a significant source of relaxation and joy. Spending time with them brings me healing and fun, and they serve as a major inspiration for my art. I love observing their behavior—how they communicate, play, eat, and groom themselves. Their fascinating movements and interactions continuously inspire and motivate me, especially since I paint a lot of cats and cat-like creatures.
As a multidisciplinary artist, I engage in painting, ceramics, and printmaking. Each of these practices stimulates different parts of my brain. When I feel stuck with my painting, switching to ceramics helps me clear my mind, and I can return to painting with a fresh perspective. The reverse is also true. Engaging in these various forms of art keeps me motivated and ensures that I enjoy my creative process. I believe that maintaining a sense of fun in one’s practice is an effective form of self-care.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a painter and ceramic artist originally from Tokyo, Japan, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. My artistic vision is deeply rooted in the depiction of animals and mythological creatures, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as my two cats, visits to the zoo, and ancient art forms like Greek pottery and Egyptian sculptures.
My paintings are mixed-media works incorporating acrylic, oil, oil stick, spray paint, and more. I love to add impasto textures to the surface, creating a subtle 3D effect. My ceramic pieces often bring the creatures from my paintings to life in three-dimensional form, but they can also stand alone as independent works or even inspire new paintings.
Both my paintings and glazed stoneware breathe life into these creatures, establishing them as guardians within my art. They invite viewers, and myself, into a comforting and safe realm. This exploration of guardianship is deeply influenced by my Japanese upbringing and the cultural richness of Shintoism, which believes that all things, from natural materials to animals and humans, possess a spirit.
Having grown up surrounded by traditional Japanese sculptures of guardian animals, often placed in front of shrines to ensure safety and protection, I reimagine these animals as central characters in my modern-day sanctuaries. My work aims to provide solace and gentleness in a world often burdened by life’s challenges.
Currently, I am participating in a group show titled “May Flowers” at the Trophy Room LA (4134 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA, from May 11th to June 15th).
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: time management, embracing trial and error, and finding joy in what you do.
Effective time management has been crucial in balancing various aspects of my work and personal life. As a multidisciplinary artist, I often juggle multiple projects, mediums, and deadlines. Learning to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and allocate time efficiently has allowed me to stay productive and meet my commitments. For those early in their journey, I recommend developing a system that works for you, whether it’s using digital tools, planners, or setting specific time blocks for different activities. Practice discipline in sticking to your schedule, but also allow flexibility for the creative process.
The willingness to experiment and learn from failures has been vital in my artistic development. Not every piece turns out as planned, but each mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset has helped me evolve my techniques and discover new approaches that I might not have considered otherwise. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. View each error as a valuable lesson that brings you closer to mastering your craft. Keep experimenting with new ideas and mediums, and remember that progress often comes from overcoming challenges.
Passion and enjoyment in your work are what keep you motivated and inspired. When you truly love what you do, it reflects in your creations and fuels your perseverance through difficult times. This intrinsic motivation has been a driving force in my journey, keeping me engaged and enthusiastic about my art. Find what genuinely excites you and pursue it wholeheartedly. Surround yourself with positive influences that inspire and support your passion. Remember to celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and keep the joy alive in your creative process.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to provide a rich and diverse array of experiences throughout my childhood. From an early age, they encouraged me to explore various interests, including sports, art, music, and games. My father played a significant role in nurturing my fascination with animals. He often took me to zoos, and when I was in elementary school, we went fishing almost every weekend. I vividly remember the excitement of catching my first fish and the joy of spending those moments with him. Additionally, the first game my parents bought me was the original Pokémon for Game Boy, which sparked my love for creatures and fantasy.
My mother, on the other hand, has a deep appreciation for art, particularly Renaissance paintings. She often took me to galleries and museums, not only in Japan but also in Europe. Traveling with her was always an enriching experience, as we would spend most of our time visiting local galleries and museums. Being exposed to such incredible art from a young age profoundly influenced my artistic development and built a strong foundation for my career as a fine artist.
These experiences, instilled by my parents, have deeply impacted my work today. My art, which focuses on animals and mythical creatures, is a direct reflection of the joy and inspiration I derived from those early explorations with my father and the artistic appreciation fostered by my mother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://satokookunostudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satoko_artwork/
Image Credits
Trinh Tran, Satoko Okuno
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