Artist Interview: Saeko Ehara

Saeko Ehara is a Kirakira (Japanese word for glitter, glisten, twinkle) artist and video journalist based in Tokyo. She represents Kirakira motifs such as jewels and flowers in her works and is inspired by Japanese Anime culture. With a background in oil painting, she is interested in finding a connection between analog and digital experiences and mixing the old with the new.

Saeko’s inspiration comes from memories and joys of her childhood. She continues to learn and explore the expressions of Kirakira using multiple types of software to make the world full of Kirakira and joy through her art.

We asked Saeko about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

“‘We Are Friends’ was specially created for Kero's World curation ‘Friendly Integration’.

The image is an Art Nouveau artist, Alphonse Mucha's ‘Reverie (1897)’ regenerated in the style of anime with AI (Midjourney). The image is edited with Adobe Photoshop, and ASCII art is incorporated with TouchDesigner (node base software for visual coding).

In the beginning of my study in painting (when I was teen to twenties), I was fascinated by Mucha's beautiful colors and gorgeous style. Mucha is a very familiar artist whose works are often exhibited in Japan. The drawing style with outlines evokes Japanese anime, and I think Mucha in the style of anime is very compatible.

There are various techniques in this work. All of them are important to create one work, and none of them should be missing. From that point of view, all the techniques are friends. ‘友だち’ in ASCII art means friends in English.”

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

In 2010, I completed my studies in the oil painting department at KABK (Royal Academy of Art, The Hague) in the Netherlands. Throughout my academic journey, I explored various artistic expressions including drawing, installation, and performance. Towards the conclusion of my studies, I delved into the realm of analog video tapes and cameras, marking my initial foray into digital art.

Upon returning to Tokyo, I swiftly immersed myself as a VJ for concerts, leaving me with little time to dedicate to my own artistic endeavors. In 2020, I embarked on a journey of learning creative coding at Digital Hollywood in Tokyo to enhance my skill set. During this period, I created several artworks, particularly in response to assignments. With the onset of the pandemic, all concerts were inevitably canceled, prompting me to earnestly engage in the creation and presentation of my own works.

Alice in Digital Land by Saeko Ehara

“This work draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll's famous children's novel, "Alice in Wonderland" (1865). As a child, I had a deep personal connection with this globally renowned book. In this artwork, I utilize NFT technology to immortalize personal memories and fragments of those memories on the blockchain.

To begin, I created square images using Midjourney (AI), carefully curating them based on my recollections of books and anime from my childhood. These square images were then expanded to a 16:9 aspect ratio using Generative Fill, an AI-powered feature in Adobe Photoshop Beta. The 2D images were subsequently transformed into 3D (point cloud) and animated using TouchDesigner, a node-based software for visual coding.

One fascinating aspect of blockchain technology is its ability to document the current state of technology. NFTs and AI are relatively new advancements, and I believe they will continue to evolve in remarkable ways in the future. It is incredibly exciting to consider how the present will be viewed from the future and how these technologies will be perceived and incorporated.”

Sound artist: Shuta Yasukochi Song title: Glow Album title: Glow In The Dark (2023) Mastering: Chihei Hatakeyama

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

My inspirations consistently stem from memories of my childhood. During my early years, I was captivated by drawing, amassing Kirakira (sparkling) cards featuring my beloved Anime characters, collecting stickers and toys, acrylic jewels, small glassworks, and immersing myself in illustrated books of flowers. My enthusiasm was so fervent that time seemed to slip away effortlessly while I indulged in these cherished activities.

In my more recent creations, I integrate a diverse range of AI-generated images. However, a perpetual theme persists: “I would love to make the world full of Kirakira." As a result, my artworks consistently radiate and twinkle, despite their often distinct appearances.

Pastel Blue Girls with the Earrings by Saeko Ehara

“This is created during the experiments with TouchDesigner and Midjourney. All the images are made by AI and they are based on the prompt of Johannes Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.”

Can you tell us about Alive — what was the creative process like, and what’s special about it?

The image draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha's 'Reverie (1897)' and incorporates elements of anime style with the help of AI (Midjourney). The image was edited using Adobe Photoshop and animated generatively using TouchDesigner, a node-based software for visual coding.

I first discovered Mucha's artworks during my teenage years when I began studying oil painting. I was always captivated by his intricate and ornamental expressions. Despite the figures and plants being outlined, they possess an organic quality that makes them appear alive.

To me, the process of animating a still image is what breathes life into my artwork.

Alive by Saeko Ehara

Alive is one of the featured artwork for DAB’s virtual exhibition “We’ve been dreaming about a magical jungle” at The Wrong Biennale!

How do you balance technical skills with artistic creativity in your digital artwork? How do these two aspects complement each other in your work?

I am consistently striving to achieve a harmonious balance between technical proficiency and artistic creativity. In my recent creations, AI-generated images constitute a significant portion. When I amalgamate images and animations, I am attentive to ensuring a cohesive fusion. Additionally, I endeavor to blend images and techniques in order to craft captivating and alluring artworks.

Saeko is also featured in 10 Digital Artists: Digital flowers that blossom in our hearts

Can you share an example of a challenging project you've worked on recently? What were the obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

Bright Moments Tokyo posed a challenge for me. I had never attempted the creation of 100 artworks as a singular, comprehensive collection before. The task of devising an effective structure and optimal animation combinations proved to be difficult. Furthermore, there were numerous new elements, such as in-real-life (IRL) minting during the exhibition. There was an abundance of things to learn.

When faced with obstacles, I consistently invest a substantial amount of time in research, exploring various possibilities to the fullest extent, and occasionally seeking advice from others. While these steps may appear straightforward, I firmly believe in the significance of undergoing a multitude of trial-and-error processes in order to successfully overcome the challenges at hand.

How would you define the digital art space in where you’re based?

I'm currently based in Tokyo, although my foundation is primarily online. I maintain contact with numerous digital artists from around the globe. While our backgrounds and styles may greatly vary, we hold a mutual respect and passion for our creation. While I haven't personally met the majority of these artists, it's truly gratifying to forge connections through our shared artworks.

Symbolism x Kirakira Compact #03 by Saeko Ehara

“Imagine… If Gustav Klimt designs ‘Magical Girl Compact’…”

“Without engaging in art creation, I honestly have no idea what I would be doing. I might end up working at a company, yet even in such a scenario, I would persist in seeking creative approaches to tackle entirely different endeavors.”

What advice would you give to aspiring digital artists who are just starting out? Are there any resources or learning materials you would recommend to help them improve their skills?

I consistently acquire new skills through YouTube tutorials or by enrolling in paid online courses, often available on platforms like Patreon. When artists offer Patreon courses, they typically provide the link within the YouTube description. Thus, if you're keen on proactive learning, I encourage you to explore these resources.

I recollect that immediately after my graduation, it was quite challenging to identify exhibition opportunities and establish meaningful connections with others. Nevertheless, if you persist in conveying your own message to the world and consistently sharing your creative output, you will inevitably encounter individuals who resonate with your vision. It's completely acceptable to invest time in finding the ideal path. So, please dispel any worries and relish the process of creation.

Pink Harmony by Saeko Ehara

“It is said pink has the images such as cuteness, happiness, and love.”

Sound artist: Shuta Yasukochi Song title: Particle Album title: In Full Bloom (2019) Released by: VAAGNER