San Francisco Voice

*”Kneeling Girl” painting by Ryoko Tajiri

Ryoko Tajiri is an artist who came to San Francisco from Japan, got an MFA from a local art school and is now making a life here in the Bay Area. In this interview, you can learn not only a lot about the artist but also a lot about a particular local art movement – Bay Area Figurative.

What can you tell us about the basics of your artwork? How does your work differ when you work in different mediums (ie, how do sketches differ from paintings?)

School gave me the opportunity to study both abstract and representative painting.

In my painting, I take from the two disciplines. One can easily recognize the figure, but I rely more heavily on abstract. I enjoy finding the abstract patterns and shapes in any environment. I use the figure, shapes, and colors to evoke the viewer’s personal feelings. My subject matter and references are taken from abstractions of ordinary environments. I simplify the figure and environment into only the necessary shapes. My paintings represent new perspectives of daily life experiences.

My sketches and mono-types are all about line quality and variation. I look for different kinds of lines or edges to create an interesting movement through the composition. For my painting, form, shape, and color play much larger roles. Painting also gives me a chance to utilize layering techniques.

What projects are you working on now? Current / upcoming shows?

Primarily, I am working on abstract figure paintings. Human’s forms are always inspiring for me to paint. I am currently working with a gallery in Sacramento, CA called the Art Foundry. My solo show is coming this September so I need to have 20 paintings ready by that time.

I am having a group show,” subject is Color”, at Art Foundry Gallery in Sacramento. I have four paintings showing at the Gallery. I sold two paintings so far. My monotypes and water color painting can be seen at Gallery One in San Francisco from July 19th. It is called “the Works on Paper” show. I am also going to show my realistic paintings at Roswell Museum and Art Center in New Mexico in August. My first art book is coming soon from ePressBooks Online Store.

What art goals do you have for yourself?

I want to be able to make a living off of being an artist. My goal is to be able to keep painting. Painting is something I love to do, but as many artists know, it is difficult to make a solid living.

How does the city inspire or affect your art work?

The Bay Area affects my art works a lot. Besides receiving my MFA from the AAU in SF, the SF art scene and art history has had a tremendous affect on me. My style of painting is greatly inspired by an art movement that started in SF about two decades ago called ‘Bay Area Figurative’. ‘Bay Area Figurative’ is a term used to describe a kind of figurative work that boarders on pure abstraction. When I first came here from Japan, I was really impressed by the paintings of Bay Area figurative movement. I had never seen paintings like that before. I decided to study painting with a great bay area artist. She taught me well and improved my concept and technique. Now, I feel that coming to San Francisco to study painting was the best decision I have ever made.

Do you have a favorite gallery in San Francisco?

It is hard to choose only one gallery, but Hackett–Freedman Gallery is one of my favorite galleries in San Francisco. They have great range of art works from bay area figurative Painters whom I admire. I also like Gallery One at Embacerdero Center. They show cultural art works and provide a different perspective. Gallery One relates to part of San Francisco’s diverse character.

Where can you be found when you’re just out and about in the city?

I love being at cafés. I used to spend half of my day reading a book or sketching there. My favorite café is “Cup a Joe” (Sutter & Leavenworth St.). I have been going there since I came to San Francisco from Japan. I always find my classmates and friends there. The café also has different paintings every three months.

What do you think the average visitor to San Francisco should know about the art scene here?

Like the east-coast had an abstract expressionism movement, San Francisco had an abstract figurative movement of which David Park, Richard Diebenkorn, and Wayne Thiebaud were the first generation. People can recognize their paintings because their paintings usually have bright color, unique composition and typical California sun light. Besides the great museum, people should know about the first Thursday of every month. People visit the galleries in the Financial District and check out all the new work galleries have to offer.

What is one other thing that you think we should know about your work?

When I paint, I always try to keep in mind an interesting concept which allows the viewer to be able to connect their own feeling and memories. The figurative element allows for great dramas to unfold.

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