Apr 11, 2016 8 Question Interview w/ Edwin Ushiro
What inspired you to paint your piece at this years Pow! Wow! Hawaii?
I did my first personal painting for a show at Gallery Nucleus and I thought I’d put on a ridiculous price ($850) so no one would buy it. When I arrived to the event, my friend came up to me and said congratulations. It was sold. I was crushed because I did that painting for myself. However, it gave me confidence to start my fine art career. In honor of that piece I wanted to bring that girl on her bike back home. That’s why she’s on the clouds riding back.
What does a typical day look like as a participating artist?
I anxiously wait for the shuttle to arrive in the morning, wondering if 5-6 days is enough time to paint a mural. Upon arrival to the site, my friend Amanda delivers breakfast for our circle of friends. Ate, then start painting around 9:40am. Because it was an outdoor thing, people wanted to connect during the outdoor event. The kind people of Oahu brought various pastries and drinks. My high school art teacher’s friend, Denise came over almost everyday with a cooler filled with food and drinks tomake sure I was well-hydrated and fed. As the sun fell, I often found myself painting at night under the street lights. At this point I worked only to get the values down. After painting, my friend Andrew Hem and I went to watch a concert every night inside the bar at the Modern Honolulu. It was a nice way to settle in and sketch. After that, sleep and repeat.
Any challenges while painting your mural?
Definitely wear a hat and protect your head. I put sunblock everywhere except for my head and it started peeling. Doing my first mural came without the understanding of what to prepare for. Especially the sun and not knowing how much paint you need.
Favorite Pow! Wow! mural?
Esao Andrews and Aaron Horkey mural at Fresh Café because the collaboration blended seamlessly. Their artwork translates so well from fine art to mural art.
photo by: Arrested Motion
Favorite spot to eat on the island?
The Pa’ina Café by Big Bad Wolf because the poké was really refreshing. And since I didn’t travel much, the shave ice truck that came to Lana Lane studios hit the spot.
Most memorable thing during the festival?
Meeting Kamea, Jasper, Pow! Wow! crew and all the participating artists for the first time on our first day.
If you could collaborate on a wall with anyone who would it be?
I don’t have a lot of friends that do mural art and I’m really close to Andrew Hem. So, if I get to pick one it would be him. Plus we get along very well. That helps. You can work with an artist you really admire but if you cant get along with that person it might get really difficult.
What’s next?
I’ll be working on my 3rd solo show with Giant Robot opening on June 18. I am looking forward to this show because I get to see my family, my high school art teacher, friends and the GR family all together. I am lucky to have such a good support system. During solo show preparations you become a hermit and it’s great to see friends after months of painting. Opening night becomes a celebration and you finally get the opportunity to hang out and catch up with everyone. So, let’s catch up on June 18!!!
Check out Edwin’s Website, Instagram and Book for more info.
Pow! Wow! Hawai’i Giant Robot