Interview with Katogi Mari
Had the Brothers Grimm published their fairy tales these days, surely they would have asked Japan based artist Katogi Mari to do all of the illustrations. I guess there is nobody who is more skilled to create precise and wonderful fairy tale like illustrations with brush and paint.
For our series of interviews she, who is fascinated by nature, animals and of course the romantic stories from Germany, answered some questions about herself.
Why and when did you start making art ?
I have loved drawing pictures from childhood on. I think that I was around 13 years old when I begun to make use of it properly.
What kind of art do you make?
I draw the world that is the fantasy which features girls and forests, animals, flowers.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From old fairy tales. There are many works which feature the topics of fairy tales.
What does your usual workday look like?
It is dreamlike every day. Because it was an aim from the time when it was young to become an illustrator.
How do you spend a perfect sunday?
I usually go out on an off day and if possible not think about work.
What is your favourite taste of chocolate?
I like chocolate of any kind of taste !
Show me your favourite artwork (from your own collection or another artist)
I love the artwork of Henry Darger.
If you could have coffee with a famous artist – dead or alive – whom would you choose?
I want to talk with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
What is your philosophy of life?
I draw pictures in time when other people think about the philosophy of life.
Thank you!
Psssst: The lovely illustrations of Katogi Mari can be bought at ARTFLAKES as well!