Ryoko Otsuka

I have been drawing long before I can remember. I know it is a bit of a cliche but for me it is absolutely true. I cannot remember a time when drawing and painting wasn't part of my life. That's just the way it is. Looking back I realise that I was drawn to art as a way of escaping my loneliness. The atmosphere at home and the surroundings in which I grew up in was often hostile and drawing became a place of safety. A 'friend'. At that in my life as a child it was my only 'escape'. It was my GrandFather who first introduced me to this refuge from my loneliness and my art has come to reflect my relationship with my Grandfather and my Grandmother. I loved both of them dearly. They made me smile for who I was. Just before my Grandfather died he yearned, hoped and encouraged me to become an artist. This has always had a deep and profound effect on me and from about the age of 15 there has been nothing else in the world I have ever hoped to or wanted to become. I have always known that to become a professional artist and make a living from art is one of the most difficult and challenging careers one could choose. However, I have always been guided and influenced by my promise to my Grandfather. I can't forget him crying as he talked to me about following my dreams to become an artist as he lay on his bed dying (although I wasn't aware he was dying back then as a 15 year old).

Before I came to London I graduated in 2004 from the Tokyo National University of Art (Tokyo Gejutsu Daigaku). It was there that I learnt to express my art in many different ways. I love to get dirty. I love the relationship between the paint, the canvas and myself. There is nothing better than a messy, multicoloured room after I have finished painting.

I came to England in March 2006 looking to broaden my horizons and experience the world renowned art scene that London has to offer. These days London offers aspiring artists the chance to learn from and create with talented people of all nationalities. It was with this in mind that I left my native Japan for a new life in London.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have found this move has given me inspiration and many new and refreshing sources of artistic motivation.

Being in London allows me to be free from the social structures in modern day Japan. As one of millions of foreigners here in London I feel a sense of freedom that I really enjoy. Nobody know or care if I am from Japan, China, Hong Kong, England or America here. I am just Ryoko Otsuka. I like that.

I also like the culture here. I love a few pints of beer in an old English pub. Lovely.

Ryoko Otsuka

David Samurai and Victoria Geisha, cultural Emperor and Emperess of England London, such a delightful city Enjoying a romantic evening in Hyde Park My English lover The Pride and joy of the English lifestyle Black rain clouds of human lust