Interview with SATORU NAKAHARA

SATORU NAKAHARA ("SN") interviewed on Sunday, 10 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

SN : I have not been a designer as a profession yet. I have created works as an individual.　But in the future, I want to be a professional designer and artist.

How did you become a designer?

SN : I originally liked photography and art, design.　When I think of my life, I wanted to live my life according to my intellectual curiosity. I feel most calm when I'm creative.　So I want to get involved in the field of design and art with creativity and curiosity that is springing up inside of me.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

SN : In this works, I was pursuing a casual scene of everyday life with the composition of light and black. And it is made it happen by the technology and devices that anyone can get it simply. My next project is to design an entity that transcends time and space with the composition of black and white, light.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

SN : Now in my works, the first impression and image remain in my mind when I wake up in bed. When I could only take pictures as my perfect for the image with the camera, I forget the time and am fascinated and I feel and appreciate that subject. Last I Intuitioed achieve my works as a design when the existence floats in the most beautiful shape inside my computer.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

SN : I think it's a way of looking and interpreting for all things. In addition, I think it's awe to the things and existence that everyone can see but not notice. I was influenced by Mr.Ken Domon and Mr.Micheal Kenna, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Leonardo da Vinci. I respected. My design journey is just beginning for getting closer to these respected artists. So now I feel like a student just started learning frankly.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

SN : If I wish, I want to stay carefully in one historical and mythical town-city and take pictures. And I want to hold a solo exhibition. Now I want to express the existence of a beautiful time in Japan. So I'm designing works to opens solo exhibitions not only the exhibition of works also the space in Japan. I have uploaded my work on only my blog, but I have not been able to pursue the printed beauty this is also an issue.　

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

SN : Believing in your own inquiry and intellectual curiosity. The future will come over time. To feel and thank the existence of sending it every day.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

SN : All designed works are beautiful. Really I think so. However, the work I can respect is the work of people involved in the design when I felt love inside. I like such works and want to aim it every time and every day, everywhere.

What is your day to day look like?

SN : I have a job to live a life. However, I design on holidays. Especially when the weather is about to collapse or when the light is weak, my heart flutters a little. That is minimal light to make the background and composition that I want to design.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

SN : I may be going backwards. I'm ignorant of trends, but I want to feel the times and the flow of time from my target.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

SN : Is there a composition of light and color that makes the existence look most beautiful? Did the story and image start moving originally in your mind?

How do you decide if your design is ready?

SN : When I can feel the existence of my works, I tell the end of one time and want to move on to the next works and design.

What is your biggest design work?

SN : This my works are included the most important family pictures. Pictures taken when spending time with family are always important. Now, I'm starting the new works and take pictures of the existence that standing unknowingly by anyone in Japan. Next to my project is the design of the Japanese "Yugen." My heart is excited to inquire from cultural and historical art and photography and academics.

Who is your favourite designer?

SN : Mr.Micheal Kenna, Mr.Ken Domon and Rembrandt, Vermeer, Leonardo da Vinci. I respected all.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

SN : I like Japan and my hometown. With this award, I have come to aware of I was able to notice the one eternal existence we respected and valued for a long time. And I have been in Europe in recent years and even years. It feels particularly strong in European countries too, it is the same that it exists everywhere and timeless.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

SN : I work alone. First, I think it is necessary to have a discussion to share each other's image and feeling of beauty.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

SN : I want people to notice a presence and existence standing quietly in their town by my works. If I do that, I think people will value their life and family, town more. It is my pleasure and hope.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

SN : By this award, I am anew that I'm still immature. But I have taken one first great step for the design of life. My creativity is very exciting now. For this honorable award and family, the presence that was reflected in my works, I appreciate all of the things.　

SATORU NAKAHARA Profile