'As an artist, it’s our duty to get our art out there. Rejections stings but don’t let them drag you down, it’s a redirection.'
Four chaps from Liverpool once trilled about the road being long and winding, and for TheNeverPress and Chiemi Haraguchi, it certainly has been. We first met at a work event in Vegas in 2016, Chiemi from Tokyo, us from London. In amongst that manufactured glitz, glamour and corporate hegemony we managed to forge a little creative enclave - two artists kicking against the pricks. Since then, as the path as diverged, we have followed each other's journey. For us, TheNeverPress has gone from mad little idea to what it is today and for Chiemi the path has taken her from Tokyo, to Sydney, Porto, India, Berlin and now London - an artist on the move, constantly taking on and taking in the world.
Earlier this year, Chiemi messaged to share the news that her work had been selected as part of London Design Festival - her epic, continuous 50m scroll of flowing inked lines and doodles displaying in the Old Waiting Room, Peckham Rye. The long and winding road had taken Chiemi all over the world and decided to make a little stop just 15 minutes from our door.
Chiemi! We're finally back together after many years, it's so great to have this time with you. Let's get into the doodling. How did it come about?
It started from doodling on a sketchpad, nothing too serious. But I loved it. I wasn't confident enough to give this side of me full attention. Then I had a dream during my Vipassana. My psyche was shouting at me to bring the artsy side of me to the front stage and I listened and unleashed her since then.
You’re a multi-disciplinary artist, working across print, digital and the human body…how does the ‘canvas’ dictate the expression, or do you have the dream and find the delivery vehicle, so to speakI don’t choose the ‘canvas’?
I feel like they come to me most of the time and we connect. I do set my intentions though, ‘how I want to feel’. For example, there was a morning I had a thought during my meditation that ‘I want to draw on a big canvas using my entire body’, and on the same day someone approached and asked if I wanted to paint his car. It was beyond my imagination and I was so thrilled by what the universe sent me.
Tattooing - take us through the practical steps of your medium – what decisions and choices are you making?
I do intentional tattooing, I don’t have flash design. I show them my sketches and let them mark what they like about the drawing and I gather what they like from there, and draw on them with a pen. I study their body first, any scars, birth marks, previous tattoos, body anatomy, muscle etc. I want my tattoo to coexist with their body rather than something pasted on the top. Then we meditate together, I want us to be at the same frequency before I start putting needles on their skin. I have a huge gratitude towards them for carrying my art on their body for the rest of their lives.
How much of it is a collaboration with the person, and how much free reign do you like?
Collaboration for me is to let go of your own expectations and stay open and curious. To be prepared to be presently surprised by the outcome. I want both parties to have space and freedom to express themselves.
You’re also exhibiting around Europe – can you talk us through the process of getting your work ‘out there’. What advice can you offer here?
Keep sending my art and proposals to different open calls. With a ‘why not’ attitude. Keep sending them out there. As an artist, it’s our duty to get our art out there. Rejections stings but don’t let them drag you down, it’s a redirection. I think my voice has always been here, but sometimes it gets confused or lost, so I refine and listen carefully through regular meditation. Meditation helps me observe which part of me needs attention.
Have there been any moments of true doubt or insecurity in your journey and how did you overcome it?
It's constant back and forth. I started my artist journey considerably late, so imposter syndrome can creep in. But I always come back to the question: does this sound, look, feel like 'me'? Authenticity is how I overcome self doubt. I live by the principle that we can't make everyone happy anyway, so why not make at least one person, ourselves, happy.
Creativity requires a deep level of thought and commitment – how do balance that with day to day life?
Yes, it can be a commitment, but for me it’s more of a lifestyle. I approach it with a bit of lightness and fun to it. We can be creative in so many different ways. From the visual art that I make to what I cook from the leftovers from my fridge. This way we constantly stimulate our creativity and treat it less as an obligation.
It is everywhere. We just need to open our eyes, mind, and heart.
What inspires you day to day?
I can’t say what it is in particular. It can be a conversation, other people’s art, architecture, music, food, or even my own art. The key is to stay open minded and curious. Travelling often helps, as I can easily get into this openness state, when I’m exploring new places and meeting new people.
Your voice – was it there from the start, or is it an ongoing quest to discover and define it?
It's always been there, but it's ever changing. Over the years it's grown more confident and specific, from doodling on a sketchpad to now working across print, tattooing, and fine art.I became more fluent in expressing myself.
How can art help us?
Personally art helps me be present. When I make it, I let go of expectations and treat it as a playground, playful and free. When I see others' art, it makes me curious and inspired.
Has your art positively helped your mental health in any way?
This may sound a little woo-woo. (lol) But sometimes I talk to my art. I treat them as my friend, family or someone I want to spend time with. I build a connection with my art. By doing this I’m also connecting with myself. And I know that I’m present and honest when I’m in front of my art.
How do you like to work?
When it comes to creative work, I like to divide them into three stages. Time to get inspiration and do my research, time to express and physically create, and time to absorb and reflect.
Sometimes it’s better to leave an idea that isn’t working and move on, and sometimes it’s better to keep going and wrestle it into being. How do you know when to step away, or when to push on?
If I don't get a "f-yes," it's time to step away. That doesn't mean abandoning the idea, it might come back when the timing is right. This way I don't trap myself in something that doesn't give me joy. Ultimately, I want my relationship with my art to be uplifting, so if it drains me, that's a clear sign it's not the right time.
If I were to give any advice for anyone starting their creative practice or if they are a bit stuck, I would say:
Dare to make shit art. Be gentle to you and your art whilst you make them. I think art is how our inner self comes out to the physical world. Treat them with lots of love and compassion. And enjoy the process. It’s beautiful.
We're constantly on the look out for new artists, creatives and initiatives to feature in TheNeverZine - so if you are, or know someone who is going their own way and doing their own thing on their own terms and would be a good fit to feature please smash that button below and get in contact. By talking to each other, and sharing our journeys, ideas and insights on creativity, art, mental health and resilience we can all create, share and thrive together. Nice thought that.
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