Groundies x Naito

Groundies x Naito

The Japanese artist NAITO is known for his passion as a futuristic artist and has already designed for numerous fashion brands worldwide. The artist, born in Tokyo in 1977, finds inspiration in nature. Due to our Groundies x Naito Collaboration we met him for a chat and talked to him about artistic processes and nature as a source of power.

1) Naito, you find your inspiration in nature. In your opinion, what exactly can nature give us and what can we learn from it for our everyday life?

Nature is our teacher. Nature is always right. We really need to listen to her and follow her lesson. We're already destroying too much. In fact, I have a feeling that it may already be too late and we have done too much damage to our nature. And yet: WE are the ones who have to protect nature for our next generation.

2) Creative processes don't happen at the push of a button and, as is well known, creativity cannot be forced. In your opinion, what promotes creativity and what inhibits the creative process?

To me, creating is like breathing. When I wake up and observe our nature, I automatically get new inspiration. Nature gives us many inspirations. I draw so many flowers, animals and plants for a reason. However, SMS, information on the Internet or a lot of input from it interrupt my creative process.

3) How do you deal with creative blocks? And do you have a certain ritual before or during creating something?

I go to the gym and move my body, trying not to think about it. Then I take a bath. You know I'm from Japan. So it is very important for me to take a bath to relax and refresh my mind. Otherwise, I drink a lot of hot water with ginger. I also stretch my body. Especially when I'm concentrating on painting or working on the computer, my body needs to be stretched because that also stretches my mind.

4) It is said that in art it is much more difficult to find the end than to begin. Do you know that, too? When do you know when a work is finished?

I always know very well when the finish line has been reached. Then there is a feeling "That's it!" That is the end point. But when I think something is not right, it's just not round yet, I continue to watch my painting or design and fight until I reach the end point. I always consistently follow my sense of beauty.

5) Do you always work quietly or with music?

With music!!! I love listening to 80's Japanese pop. I grew up in Japan in the 80's when a whole new culture was emerging. With music, games and manga.

6) Are you afraid that you might run out of ideas at some point? Or do you have another fear that artistic creation confronts you again and again?

No. I am inspired by nature. As long as it exists, I will always find new inspiration. That is why it is so important that we protect them.

7) Every artist also needs breaks and time to switch off. How do you switch off and where do you recharge your batteries?

After 5pm I stop painting or close my computer. I go to bed at 10 p.m. and get up at 6 a.m. In between, I always go to the gym. I like a simple, healthy lifestyle. This style keeps me physically and mentally healthy. If you want to be a good artist, you have to be mentally and physically healthy.