Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you who are taking the time to read this. Time is the most valuable resource we have, and your decision to spend it reading this blog means a lot to me. Welcome to my very first blog post. I hope that as time goes on, I can continue to captivate your interest and keep you curious about me and, more importantly, what goes on inside my mind.
So, let's start with the purpose of this blog. It serves as a central hub for all my projects and a platform to keep you updated on the happenings in my life. Here, you can expect to find a lot more content than what I share on my social media channels. I believe there is too much noise and distraction on social media, and I invite you to delve into my thoughts and engage with me through this blog.
As some of you may already know, I have relocated from my home country, South Africa, to Japan. I arrived in Japan on my 25th birthday, and I have decided to make this beautiful country my new home, at least for a while. Since July 28th, 2019, I have been immersing myself in Japanese culture, meeting new people, rapidly learning the language, adjusting to a different lifestyle, and exploring all that Japan has to offer. Now, after my first six months in the country, I feel ready to share my stories and, most importantly, to share my art once again. I cannot promise daily blog posts or perfect consistency, but I will do my best. For now, my focus is on creating more art and continuing my Japanese studies.
One question that I frequently encounter is, "Why did you choose to move to Japan?" To be honest, I needed a challenge and a change in my life. Prior to leaving, I was working as a graphic designer for Adams & Adams, Africa's leading Intellectual Property Law Firm. While I enjoyed my work and pursued my passion for art, I felt a sense of stagnation. I believed that I wasn't contributing as much as I could to the firm, my country, and my art career. I yearned for a change that would breathe new life into my creative journey.
Japanese culture has always fascinated me. The way things are done here, the cuisine, the language and its nuances, the seamless blend of technology and tradition, the warm and friendly people, and the thriving art market—all of it intrigued me. I knew I had to give this country a chance, and so I did. Looking back, it has been one of the best decisions I've made thus far. Of course, I miss my family and friends, the Sunday barbecues at my apartment, the exhilaration of speeding on the highway, and the ability to feed antelope and zebras casually. I also miss the beautiful nature and the lively political debates in parliament. However, Japan has quickly become a second home to me. The safety, cleanliness, natural wonders, convenience, quality of life, and warmth of the people have made it easy for me to settle in. And yes, I am thrilled to announce that I can host Sunday barbecues once again from this side of the world.
In terms of my art, I have embarked on a new series inspired by ancient African art, mythologies, civilizations, and history. I am currently deeply immersed in the creation of the first artwork of the series, and I have set the bar high, aiming to make it my best work to date. I strongly believe in showcasing Africa in a positive light and taking its rich heritage to a global audience. Detailed images play a crucial role in educating while entertaining, and that is precisely what I aim to achieve with this series.
Well, that's all for now.
See you soon :) またね
