We recently connected with Ken Toki and have shared our conversation below.

Ken , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

The pleasure of making art from my early days, at home and at school, came to an abrupt halt as wartime began in Japan. Schools closed and the art supplies I had access to dried up. I recall wondering what could a soldier do with our papers, crayons, pencils, not realizing manufacturing of these materials had discontinued as war raged globally; I was 14.
After university and at the start of my career I quickly learned I had little time for creative pursuits. However, I did notice early on that when I gave presentations to explain, for instance, computing systems at airports I could include artistic and anime-type illustrations to make these complex systems more accessible to clients.
After my retirement in 1996, I was finally free to fully pursue my passion for art. It was the opening of the door onto my future and my life as an exhibiting and competing artist, which I remain to this day.
One major obstacle of the 21st century for everyone was the global covid-19 outbreak.
During this novel era, and even now, I am more concentrated in my art making efforts, spending more time in my studio focused on what I love, creating the best art I am capable of, always challenging myself.

Ken , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My art career took off after my retirement in 1996. Although I had created a variety of sketches and drawings I had yet to truly commit myself to making art, painting.
A random poster advertising an upcoming art contest at a museum at Fukuoka threw me into high gear. I was determined to paint something worthwhile. I was accepted into that show and many others, eventually receiving a coveted invitation to join Taheiyo Art Society, one of Japan’s oldest and finest.
It has been an honor to participate in a variety of art events, cultural exchanges for Japan’s Ministry of Culture within Japan and in Europe. I have held a variety of gallery and museum exhibits throughout Japan.
After relocating to Texas, I have exhibited in Dallas area galleries and art competitions for the past decade and have received several awards of recognition. At the same time I have shown works at Houston, Albuquerque, Phoenix and Japan.
Competing with fellow watercolorists at Southwest Watercolor Society, among other national societies and groups is both a pleasure and an honor.
In 2023, I was honored to receive the Signature Status Award for Southwest Watercolor Society.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Art is the basis of all civilized societies. Humans have created art for millennia. We can view First Nation Aboriginal petroglyphs and pictographs created over 30,000 years ago. At Vesere Valley, France there is Paleolithic cave art 400,000 years old.
Art is always being created somewhere; new art always forthcoming.
Not only painting, but also sculpture, textiles or fashion, architecture, even music, opera, literature and film.
It is an innate desire to create art, share ourselves with our fellows.
Art is essential for a life fulfilled; it is furniture, no less than a sofa or a chair.
To support the arts in all its forms enriches us infinitely, promises us peace and health.
Art can only be created in times of peace.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Making art, painting assures me of continued happiness and contentment. While I am engaged in the process of creativity I am never ill.
I do not paint the same way twice. I may use a certain subject several times, but I will change my process, media. This ensures a new challenge with each artwork. Consequently, I never know how a work will turn out.
From recorded history there have been conflicts around our globe. If I stay focused on the process of creating art I ensure that I can thrive, that my mental and physical health remain intact.
And, my goal is that my paintings may somehow bring happiness and peace to others.

Contact Info:

• Other: [email protected]

  www,swswatercolor.org

  Southwest Watercolor Society/artists list

Image Credits

Frances Toki copyright of all photos

All artworks copyright of Ken Toki
All rights reserved