Artist Interview: Casey Kawaguchi
Over the next few weeks, we will start introducing the artists participating in the inaugural we. art gathering! It’s always nice to hear a bit more of the artist’s background, their process when it comes to creating and how they’ve evolved over time. In that spirit, we will be posting interviews we conducted with each of the artists so you can become a bit more familiar with them. Super excited to have Denver-based Casey Kawaguchi in the mix, scroll down to learn more about Casey and his style!
Where are you from originally?
CK - I grew up in Northern Utah
How did you first get into art?
CK - My older brother was my earliest inspiration. He did really great drawings that inspired me to be as good as he was.
What is your favorite medium?
CK - Spray Paint
What inspires you?
CK - Passion and Dedication.
Why do you do what you do?
CK - Because there is something inside of me that I feel will never be real to the rest of the world like it is to me unless I create it and bring it into the world myself. Its self exploration, self discovery, self realization.
What is your creative process approaching new projects?
CK - I try to magnify the project to be able to go as big as possible.
How has your style evolved over the years?
CK - It has evolved by becoming more and more refined through experience. It has grown in scale with bigger and bigger walls and through that has become more elaborate with each piece.
What is your lifestyle outside of art?
CK - I don't really have a life outside of art. I guess my lifestyle outside of art is just taking naps.
If you could travel anywhere to create art, where would it be?
CK - That's an easy one, Japan.
Do you listen to music while you're creating? If so, what are some of your current tunes?
CK - Yeah, I'm always listening to either podcasts or instrumental stuff. Blockhead has been on repeat a lot.
What role do you think artists have in society?
CK - We are drawn to creating, I think as artists, our role is to be true to that path and honest with ourselves and our intentions with what we're creating.
What has been a seminal experience in your art career thus far?
CK - In 2019 I shot a segment for 9NEWS DENVER called "Storytellers: The Origins of the Art Warrior" The segment was about my murals and the Japanese representation. Getting to watch that segment air on Fathers Day with my dad was a priceless moment. I'll never forget it.
Who are some of your favorite artists to date?
CK - Saber, Max Sansing, Birdcap
What helps you get "unstuck" creatively?
CK - Sometimes I will go back to earlier influences or interests and will find inspirations that now over time will inspire me in a different way. I've had inspirations come full circle multiple times in this way over the years.
Who are your biggest influences?
CK- The other artists around me that are pushing it. I'm inspired by people’s work ethic and motivation.
Coffee or tea?
CK - Coffee
Surf or snow?
CK - Snow. I grew up snowboarding in Utah.
Favorite movie?
CK - Big trouble in Little China