baby art blog

an “interview” for a south korean publication (so i guess it’ll be translated to korean) – a compilation of a couple of dozen worldwide illustrators/artists making their debut (or not necessarily in my case!) – 10 pages each artist, some unpublished things in my selection – due to be published this summer – altho i tried to avoid them i used to secretly love doing interviews (EGO!) but this one is rather unenthusiastic (i did warn them i wasn’t keen on doing it!) – but i suppose helpful as a beginners guide to tb…

1) Tell us briefly about Trevor Brown

Born in England. Resident in Japan. One wife, three cats. The world’s most infamous and unpopular artist.

2) How did you start making art?

By scribbling on walls with crayons as a toddler. At school i decided i never wanted a real job when i left, so i went to art school like other similarly minded misfits. After art school i worked in graphic design studios and advertising agencies. Then worked as a freelance artist. It was only after moving to Japan in 1993 i began life as a bona-fide “artist”.

3) Please explain the style of your work.

I named it “baby art”. It was born out of living in Japan and being influenced by Japanese art and “kawaii” culture. It was also born out of a desire to completely move away from the fetish/S&M type work i was doing previously. Something very innocent. Toys and dolls and flowers etc. But of course it never turned out so innocent. It was still tainted with older more sinister interests. So that became my style. Sinister innocent images.

4) Is there any messages you’d like to present through work?

Not really. People can read anything from it. I like ambiguous images. It’s interesting to get extreme opposing viewpoints about my work.

5) What’s the biggest challenge of creating?

I can’t draw! I can’t paint! Every work is a challenge. I can never do what i really want to do because i don’t have the artistic ability.

6) Could you describe the city you live in?

Tokyo. It’s Tokyo!. Too many people. It’s cramped and cluttered, a chaotic mess. I love it!

7) When and how are you inspired?

Inspiration comes from everywhere. Pictures, books, film, something i see while sitting on a train, looking at my old artworks, really anywhere and everywhere. And often nowhere. Many times i am stuck for an idea of what to paint. Unlike other artists i don’t like to repeat myself painting basically the same picture over and over again. One “trick” i use is when i have one idea i wait for another idea and merge them together for something greater. Also i set myself themes. “Alice” for my last book / collection of paintings, “rubber” before that.

8 ) Do you have a motto to live?

No.

9) What is your most favorite in the world?

I don’t understand the question.

10) How do you spend your free time? And what’s you favorite spot?

“Spot” or “sport”?. I don’t like sport. I’m a lazy person. I love video games. I like reading, comics particularly. I listen to music all the time. I don’t have many other interests really. And i’m a very anti-social person.

11) What’s your next plan?

Theme for the next book is “onnanoko sensou”. Or “girl’s war”. It’s actually a song title by Urbangarde (I illustrated their first cd cover). As always i’m interpreting the theme quite loosely and in varied ways. About 30 paintings? I guess finished next year (2013). Im slow, it always takes three years to do each book.

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Thank you for your images and interview answers
I think you’re quite humble.

Queston #9 What’s your most favorite in the world? means what’s your most favorite thing in the world. It can be a person or a thing, whatever you like the most.

If i was younger i’d answer “sex” but as i’m getting old my answer is “sleep”!

For question #10, favorite “spot” was right. What’s your favorite spot or place?

My bed! Haha! But really i guess being at home IS my favorite place. Wherever home is. My own space. Privacy and freedom.

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related post: ask me a question