Today we’d like to introduce you to Idris Veitch.

Hi Idris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story started several years after I made the move to Japan from my home country of Jamaica in 2009. My intention then was to teach English and save enough money to further my studies in fashion design at FIT in New York City. My plans changed after a chance encounter with a friend of a friend who encouraged me to apply for school in Tokyo. My acceptance led to me move there where I first studied womenswear then later switching to menswear.

The theme of my graduation collection focused on identity as I wanted to explore my Nigerian-half which I had very little familiarity with, also while tackling the difficulties I faced acclimating to Japan. This combined with being born and raised in Jamaica, but never feeling “Jamaican” lead to a cross-cultural examination with my research including different aspects Japanese and African culture. Some of the media produced during this time included two collage pieces that combined masks from different parts of Africa with uki-yo-e, a traditional form of Japanese art using woodblock prints. I continued making similar collages after graduation, which eventually turned into a series titled “African Masks X Ukiyoe”. This body of work eventually led to solo and collaborative exhibitions in Japan and Jamaica, and features in printed and online publications.

With a few years under my belt doing this series, I became motivated to create visual stories and narratives through a lens of fantasy by using bright colours, contrasting elements and media from various sources.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As thankful I am for the artistic journey, there were significant struggles that have shaped my work and my perspective.

I previously mentioned the discrimination I faced in Japan as being an inspiration to creating art, but another major challenge was believing in my own voice and perspective. I had severe imposter syndrome earlier in my career and really doubted whether I deserved to call myself an artist. This self-doubt was often exacerbated by the pressures of social media, where constant comparisons to other creatives made me constantly question the quality of my work. I found it difficult to believe that my art was good enough, which made it challenging to showcase my work and pursue opportunities.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a visual artist that works in digital collage/mixed media. I rely on a combination of digital tools and methods to bring my artistic vision to life. Adobe Photoshop serves as my primary software where I meticulously manipulate elements sourced from various mediums, including photos captured on my smartphone, scanned magazines/printed media, pictures online, and vector graphics I create using Adobe Illustrator. I have also been using Adobe After Effects to infuse motion graphics into my compositions by incorporating movie clips and sound effects. Additionally, I have been studying the 3D software Blender over the past several months with the aim of expanding my creative repertoire and exploring new dimensions of visual expression.

What distinguishes my art is the fusion of diverse cultural influences that I weave into my work. I draw from the vibrant tapestry of my Jamaican upbringing, along with the experiences of living in America and Japan. My artistic approach is both deeply personal and introspective, driven by a desire to reconcile the various cultural identities I’ve embraced. This blend of cultural exploration, personal narrative, and experimental techniques lends my work a distinctive perspective and voice.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Citing a few things I’ve learned along the way….

• As a creative where media is plentiful and constantly accessible, it’s really important to keep on your own path. Take inspiration from everywhere and allow yourself and your art to evolve naturally as opposed to say chasing the latest thing for likes.

• On that same note, the constant exposure to other artists’ curated successes can lead to feelings of inadequacy or burnout. It’s really important to manage your mental health adopting practices such as setting boundaries, taking breaks, and remembering that social media often highlights the best moments rather than the full picture.

• Curiousity is vital for artistic and personal growth, as it drives you to explore new ideas, challenge boundaries, and continually evolve in your craft and understanding of the world.

• It’s ok to keep some creations to yourself. Don’t feel like you need to share every single piece you make. Social media will always be there, so don’t feel like you’re missing out whenever you’re not plugged in.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.idrisveitch.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/idrisveitch

Image Credits
Personal photo by Anna Francesca Jennings (https://annafrancescajennings.com/)