Nishiyama Maki is active as a model and TV personality. She is also a mother of two children, but in recent years, her artistic talent has also been attracting a lot of attention.

This time, she will be taking part in the event "SOUL CAMP 2018 at ISETAN" to be held at the Isetan Shinjuku store from September 12th to 17th, where she will be performing live painting, focusing on her side as an "artist." Let's explore the background of this work.

Maki Nishiyama

Feeling powerless during my hiatus, and finding a new path from there

"I grew up surrounded by brothers, and I didn't have a Licca-chan doll, so I often played by myself, drawing pictures from a young age. I remember winning an award in art class in elementary school. I drew a human figure so big it spilled over the edge of the paper, and it ended up looking all squishy and weird (laughs). Even as an adult, I'd draw illustrations of staff and people I worked with on set during my free time, and give them as gifts (laughs)."

Nishiyama spoke with a carefree smile. She has continued to draw with the pure desire to "have fun" and "make people happy," but her encounter with Rainbow Works, which handles licensing and brand management for various fashion brands, was a major factor in her turning her illustrations into a career. "It's only recently that I've been able to turn my illustrations into a job. The president of Rainbow Works saw my illustrations and told me, 'You should definitely make this your job.' Also, I took a short break from work last year, and during that time I felt like if I lost my work as a model and talent, I'd have nothing. I felt like if I didn't leave behind more proof that I was alive, I'd lose confidence in my future. With the idea of leaving something behind, I drew illustrations on sneakers and gave them to my daughter and friends. They were more pleased than I could have imagined."



Furthermore, in March of this year, she released a collaboration item with the bag brand "HeM," for which she handles licensing projects, and performed a live painting at "atmos con Vol.4," held at Shibuya Hikarie Hall. "I was very nervous about painting in front of people, but I also got the kids who came to play to join in, and it was fun that only a live performance can have."

Furthermore, regarding her own works, which possess a unique style and worldview, she describes them as "greedy paintings that make you want this and that." "I want ice cream and a hamburger. I don't think there are any foods this colorful in real life, but I think anything goes in a painting. For example, wouldn't it be cute if the sky was pink? I want to depict things that don't exist in reality. I ignore theory when it comes to color combinations, too (laughs)."

Furthermore, her innocent nature is also evident from her frequent use of motifs such as deformed ice cream, hamburgers, and mysterious creatures. Apparently, from a young age, she used Pocky boxes instead of pencil cases and had an obsession with milk cartons, and is known by herself and others for being a "slightly unusual child."

"I always draw with positive emotions, like 'happy,' 'fun,' and 'delicious.' Even if I'm feeling sad or down, I think that by drawing positive, happy pictures, I can draw myself back to those emotions. Of course, I hope that my paintings share those same feelings with the people who view them."
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With a vibrant smile, she spoke of her philosophy on painting. With her childlike purity, she will continue to create works that bring joy to viewers.
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