TiFdyL was recently featured in online mag ION. A great article about the Japanese artist's perspective on independent art in Japan and why he embraces diversity in his pieces.

TiFdyL (also known as Taka Sudo) is a young Japanese-Canadian artist whose work and life spans two continents, deriving inspiration from both. This multidisciplinary artist currently splits his time between BC and Tokyo, keeping a home base in Whistler while spending a few months of every year in Japan. In addition to painting, illustration and clothing design, he works as a curator, organizing exhibits for independent artists on his trips to Japan. Over the years he has come to appreciate the differences between Japanese and Western artists as well as the unique challenges that come with selling work in both countries. “In my opinion,” TiFdyL says, “Japanese artists are more emotional. When making art, emotion comes first. In Canada artists pay more attention to beautiful detail, and technical skill comes first.” He also notes that relative to Canada, it’s difficult to sell original artwork in Japan. “When I have art shows in Japan, only tourists buy art” he notes with a grin. “People’s homes are too small; they have no room for paintings. More and more Japanese artists are moving towards design work.” Read more...