Hideki Arichi is entering his final year at the Forge in Hertford where he has been working primarily with painting and drawing in developing his ongoing interest in the visual language of Western and Eastern art. 
How would you describe your current practice (e.g. materials, techniques, themes, key questions, approach)?
Constantly evolving as I keep on looking at everything around me and absorb them like a sponge, influences creep in from all sorts of sources. There are images that repeat themselves in sketches and works that are always being developed, the studio here at Digswell has allowed for these to be worked on primarily as paintings and sometimes drawing.
What are you working on at the moment?
Just prior to this I was fortunate to have been accepted onto the AA2A program at the University of Bedfordshire, Luton which allowed me access to their facilities and for me primarily screen printing which was something I had missed.
Then I exhibited in Falmouth in June with my former neighbour from the studio, Ella Carty. Together we showed mainly paintings and some prints that showed how we approached our experience and observations of day to day experiences and memory.
What are your plans for the coming year?
I will be taking part in Art on a Postcard, which raises money for
The Hepatitis C Trust, later this year.
‘Art on a Postcard runs events throughout the year. Our main event has been our annual secret auction which has raised more funds each year. Last year we raised £75K from the sale of 450 postcard sized artworks’. http://www.artonapostcard.com
What is the question you get asked about your work and how do you answer it?
If I know about or have heard of Hokusai and Japanese prints and if I am influenced by Japanese art. I answer that I am as it seems to please those that ask and con-firms to them that I acknowledge my cultural heritage.
What or who inspired you to be an artist and why?
I have always been encouraged by parents and teachers along the way to draw or make art. The positive re-sponse to my work from my peers also gives me encouragement. In recent years after pursuing a career in the film industry, it became increasingly evident to me that my interests were no longer in working within the industry under the direction of others.
Which artist do you most admire and why?
Isamu Noguchi, blew me away when I saw his show at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and his life and search for meaning and identity through his work is admirable.
Jackson Pollock for his spirit and achievement as well as innovation at the time.
Hokusai for his wit, skill and the creation of a truly global icon in art history that uti-lised influences from around him as well as an openness and curiosity in art from another culture. I am referring to “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” which was cre-ated in 1832 and remains an icon of Japan art even now.
Richard Serra for his absolute resolve.
Kaws for taking another route literally and metaphorically to becoming a global exhibiting artist.
How has your relationship with Digswell Arts Trust strengthened your practice as an artist?
It has allowed me the time and space to make work in a supportive environment.
0 Comments