Kentaro Okawara is a painter and sculptor based in Tokyo, Japan. Okawara creates paintings and 3D objects inspired by his postcard exchange with his grandmother during his childhood.
In 2016, Okawara launched a children’s book label POOPOOBOOKS, to make pop art more accessible to children through Japanese folktales. Since then, he has published five children’s books and hosts coloring workshops for children.
Through his work, he wishes to bring joy and inspire his audience to be kind to one another.
This artistamp celebrates and commemorates Kentaro Okawara’s show “Trip of Love” at Fisk Gallery in Portland, Oregon, June 1-30, 2018.
Have you designed a stamp before?
No, I have never done that before. But I like vintage stamps, so I’ve always wanted to try it someday.
した事ないです。
前からビンテージの切手が好きでいつかやってみたいと思っていました。
What was the most interesting or fun aspect of designing a poster stamp? What unique challenges did it present?
My intention was to create simple yet impactful images since we were working on two-color riso prints. Misregistration added an additional charm, so I’m happy with how the project turned out.
色のリソプリントでの製作という事でシンプルでもインパクトのある絵を目指しました。
版ズレも味が出て満足しています。
Tell us about the art. Did you create something new for this stamp?
I created these images based on my new drawings for this show, Trip of Love, with selected motifs related to love and travel, and also by deconstructing the image I’ve used for the T-shirt design.
展覧会のタイトルがTRIP OF LOVEなので旅やラブに関連するモチーフを選びました。
絵は新たに描いたものと、Tシャツの為に描いた絵を解体して作りました。
Anything else?
Thank you so much for providing me this opportunity, perfect for my solo exhibition in Portland. My wish is that people would use them as a little accent on their letters or gifts to their loved ones.
今回の個展にぴったりなこのような機会を与えてくださってとても感謝しています。
これを手にとった方には、愛する方に宛てる手紙、プレゼントなどのちょっとしたアクセントとして使って頂けたら幸いです。