Japanese artist HR-FM's unmistakable style of intricate "fossils of the future" are all drawn digitally. Line by line, section by section, with bold solid colors each carefully chosen to create a finished work that is unlike anything else.
We dove a bit deeper with HR-FM, wanting to learn more about him, and find out more about his Limited Edition "The Tower" Series, based on the iconic CN Tower in Toronto, Canada.
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Kanagawa, Japan and I am now in Kanagawa, just south of Tokyo. The Yokohama Port of Kanagawa is becoming the gateway of exchange with foreign countries so it has a feeling of a lot of international influence.
How old are you now?
I prefer to be a bit mysterious. ;)
Did you go to art school?
Yes, I went to art school for several years and learned techniques and the logic of the painting with traditional mediums. Charcoal sketches and acrylic, a picture in watercolors, an airbrush, the psychology of art expression I also learned about the storyboard of the animated image. The experience of learning from the teacher, master Kunio Itoi was the best overall. He is a great painter.
Did you ever visit Toronto or the CN Tower?
No, unfortunately I have not yet visited Toronto, the CN Tower piece was created from photos and within my imagination. I remember first seeing photos of the CN Tower under construction in a book at school, and it was a beginning of my interest in it. I marveled at that time that the structure which was so high covering such a small area.
I relate to it a bit through the Tokyo Skytree which became here in Japan. My older brother is connected to this by chance, his father was involved in its construction as a head of construction I saw it finished in person in 2012 and it reminded me immediately of the CN Tower which was constructed many decades earlier from concrete. At that moment I felt the inspiration to create a piece to pay respect to its greatness. I’m really pleased to have been able to release this with Eyes On Walls.
What was your impression of Toronto?
Toronto is known in Japan as a world eminent huge city. Also, because figure skating sports are so popular in Japan, Toronto is well know as the base of first class figure skaters. I look forward to visiting the city in person in the near future, and visiting the CN Tower.
What inspires you as an artist?
My work is built on the concept of future fossils. In other words, I think of objets from our time and the future if they remained only as a trace of the ruins many years from now. This idea and concept continually inspire me to make art.
Any new pieces in the works?
Yes, I am working on completing another piece dedicated to and inspired by a structural icon - the Golden Gate Bridge.
We look forward to seeing it, and thank you for sharing your amazing work with us.