Meet Naoshi

We recently connected with Naoshi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Naoshi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was in search of something I could immerse myself in, and tried anything that interested me, including guitar, dancing, and skateboarding. One day at a bookstore, I came across a book featuring a collection of works by Kin Shiotani (https://kinshio.com), an illustrator and writer. The unique, freehand style of this travel-loving artist left a deep impression on me. I later got to meet him, and he ended up becoming my mentor. Crossing paths with him opened the door for me to immerse myself in the world of art, and thus my life as an artist began in 2004.

While searching for a medium that suited my personality and style, I found a sand art kit, which was something I used to play with as a child. It was so nostalgic! I became obsessed with sand art and kept experimenting with it, and before I knew it 20 years flew by!

By repeatedly diving into anything with a “try it at least once if it tugs at your curiosity!” mindset, I was eventually able to discover my true passion.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Life in Japan was fulfilling, but after a serious injury in 2012, I became determined to take on any challenge to pursue the things I really wanted to do, and ended up moving to Los Angeles in 2014. Luckily, I got approached to publish a picture book by Overcup Press(https://overcupbooks.com), a Portland-based publisher with whom I had been in contact with while in Japan, and “ICE CREAM WORK” was published in 2015. I had originally planned to stay in the U.S. for just one year, but this picture book made me realize that I wanted to continue challenging myself in the U.S., and this April will mark the 10th year since I moved to Los Angeles! (It went by so fast!).

In 2023, my second picture book, “TAKO KNOWS”, which I had been working on since 2019, was published once again by Overcup Press, and I did book signings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland. In Portland, I had dinner with the publisher and the person who originally connected me with them. It had been 8 years since we’d all gathered together, and my heart was filled with gratitude that evening with the realization that these people, with whom I’d been fortunate enough to stay in touch with, had helped make me who I am today. In the summer of 2024, I’ll be doing solo exhibitions, book signings, pop-ups and sand art workshops at Bear and Bird Boutique + Gallery  (NY) and Taylor Books (WV). Traveling with my picture book is what I’m most looking forward to.

TAKO KNOWS

In 2022, I opened a specialty sand art store called “Sunaeya”. With the help of my family in Japan, I offer sand art workshops in Japan and the U.S. and sell sand art kits with the hope that many more people will be able to enjoy sand art!

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?
・Take action and face challenges ・Keep going
・Be flexible

I have one rule for myself each year, which is to try at least one thing I’ve never done before.
In 2023, I went to Taiwan to exhibit my work at Art Taipei, and was also invited to participate in the Warbie Yama (https://www.warbieyama.com) exhibition which gave me the opportunity to exhibit work and do a sand art workshop in Bangkok, Thailand for the first time. Drawing pictures for children, enjoying sand art together, and transcending language barriers by connecting with people through art was an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

I also make a point of acting on whatever idea comes to mind. Perfectionism often weighs me down, but I try to be flexible and take one small step at a time. Taking on new challenges and broadening my horizons leads to exciting and energizing new discoveries, which I believe is the fuel that keeps me going.

I would encourage those who are just starting out in their careers to take that first step, no matter how small, and keep moving forward alongside all the fun and joy to be experienced along the way.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I call my sister while eating something sweet, haha. I’m not able to keep things bottled up, so talking to her and getting her objective opinion helps me to better understand a situation and my feelings about it.

A few times a year I become overwhelmed by everything I have to do and can’t get anything done. When that happens I go on a trip. It’s difficult to draw the line between my personal and professional life since I work from a home studio, so I make a conscious effort to physically distance myself from my daily routine by traveling solo or going to a national park with friends. New experiences broaden my perspective and refresh me, so I’m on a mission to keep myself entertained!

I’m planning to travel to various cities on the East Coast this summer to coincide with my solo exhibitions. It’s also a good idea to plan for things you can look forward to!

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