Inspiration Feeder: Cain Shimizu

Our “Inspiration Feeder” presents to you short interviews with interesting visual artists from around the globe. Today in focus: Cain Shimizu.

Where do you come from?

I’m from Japan. I was born in Osaka prefecture in 1970 and I am 50 years old this month.

What do you think gives you your unique view of the world?

I like watching paintings in museums. I also like classical music and jazz. So I may prefer to be calm. Through these experiences, I think I’m shooting something that attracts me when I see the subject. If you look at my work and get a sense of my view of the world, I’m happy.

What do you prefer project based approach or single shots following wider topic?

That’s a very difficult question. I shoot nature that feels beautiful and subjects that feel cool. When I decide on a theme and shoot, I feel that my thoughts stop. The subject captured by my heart may be one theme when viewed later. That is my style.

How long do you think it took you to find your personal style?

I used to shoot in color. However, when I returned to the origin about two years ago and tried to shoot in black and white, I found that it fits the worldview I wanted. Since then, I have been pursuing a monochrome world. About 15 years have passed since I started shooting in earnest.

What would you say is the thing that most inspires you? / What is your main source of inspiration?

Nature shows a different expression at each moment. Even if I look at the same subject every day, I feel it. Being in nature, I find that I am unconsciously stimulated.