FAQs
I get a lot of emails (all of which are very appreciated) asking all kinds of questions. This section is dedicated to the most common ones.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere, really. I can look at something that catches my attention for no particular reason and find it very interesting. Then come in all the ideas. But if I am stuck and in need for inspiration I go out on very long walks.
OK, then which artists inspire you?
A very hard question... or should I say a long answer! I guess my ever-changing short list would have to include Leonardo da Vinci, Erte, Norman Rockwell, and Edmund Dulac. Some modern guys would be Shaun Tan and James Jean.
What materials do you use?
I mainly work with acrylics. But I like trying new things and to keep up to date.
What is your connection with Japan?
A strong one! I am actually half-Japanese, half-American. After growing up in the US, at the age of 11 I moved to Japan. It took a while getting used to the culture and language but it had been an experience that will stay with me forever. I ended up staying there for the next fourteen years.
How about Australia?
My new home! My husband, Rob, dragged me out here a few years ago and I've fallen in love (Rob's pretty nice too!).
Did you study art, or illustration?
Yes I did. At Sozosha College of Design in Osaka, Japan.
What is your process?
I also love seeing how other artists build up a picture from start to finish. So, I'm going to provide an update in the near future about my methods. For now a brief rundown is that I start off with pencil and paper, roughing out the design. The finalized design is transferred to whatever surface I'm painting on, from which I bust out my paints and well, paint the darn thing!
Do you have a blog?
Yes I do! Check it out at verycheri.blogspot.com. Feel free to leave a comment.