Whitehot Magazine

The Free Souls and Happy Spirits of Coney Ishida

Coney Ishida, I wish, 2021, ink and graphite on paper

 

By NOAH BECKER February, 2023

Whitehot: What are the identities of the recurring characters in your drawings? It almost has a wonderful Keith Haring quality.

Coney Ishida: These characters represent "Souls" and "Spirits.” I would like my artwork to be as strong as Keith Haring. I too wish to contribute to society through charities with my work like Haring did.

WM: You art has a pop art feeling, are you a pop artist?

CI: I have not really thought about which category I belong to.

WM: How do you come up with ideas for your works?

CI: When I create my work, I take my time to imagine again and again with my own feelings and wishes.

WM: Are you interested in making paintings or sculptures?

CI: Yes, I am interested in making both paintings and sculptures. I have been studying oil painting for 6 years. Someday I want to make my art with oil paint. Also, I have been learning to make sculptures by myself for over the past year and looking to complete my first sculptural works this year.



Coney Ishida, New Era, 12/21/20, graphite on paper
 

Coney Ishida, Freedom
 

Coney Ishida, New Era, 2021, graphite on paper
 

WM: What artists inspire you?

CI: I am inspired by various artists such as Hayao Miyazaki, old Disney animation, Osamu Tezuka (Japanese manga artist), Super Mario, Japanese comics and etc, especially when I was in my childhood. In fine art, I love Rembrandt's sketches and drawings.

WM How do you work? In a sketchbook or do you have a studio?

CI: I am working on my desk in my room now. Someday, I would like to have my own studio and challenge myself to create large-scale pieces and various kinds of works.

WM: Would you describe your work as being inspired by cartoons?

CI: Yes, I think it has a very strong influence on me.
 

Coney Ishida, Connect 2, 2021, ink on paper
 

Coney Ishida, Hope, graphite on watercolor paper
 

WM: What do you dream about?

CI: My dream is that in the future where we live with no war and conflict. Where people will help each other and respect animals and nature.
I believe it will come true.

WM: What do you want viewers to experience looking at your work?

CI: I hope that when people see my works, they will smile, have fun, and be kind.

WM: Is there something you want to accomplish in the future?

CI: I want to do an exhibition! I would like to do an exhibition which people of all ages can enjoy by interacting with my work. 
 

Visit https://coneyishida.com to see more of the artist's works...
 

Noah Becker

Noah Becker is an artist and the publisher and founding editor of Whitehot Magazine. He shows his paintings internationally at museums and galleries. Becker also plays jazz saxophone. Becker's writing has appeared in The Guardian, VICE, Garage, Art in America, Interview Magazine, Canadian Art and the Huffington Post. He has written texts for major artist monographs published by Rizzoli and Hatje Cantz. Becker directed the New York art documentary New York is Now (2010). Becker's new album of original music "Mode For Noah" was released in 2023. 

 

Links:
Noah Becker on Instagram

Noah Becker Paintings

Noah Becker Music

Email: noah@whitehotmagazine.com

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