Today we’d like to introduce you to Miku Sekimoto.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2016, I came to NYC by myself from Japan. I desired to go to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and learn Fashion Design, but I didn’t have any portfolio with me. Also, I didn’t have the eligible TOEFL (an English test for an International student) score to enter FIT. I went to Kingsborough Community College (KBCC) to create my portfolio and improve my English. At first, my major was Fashion Design because I belonged to a dance team when I was in Japan, and I have created some costumes. When I was taking a basic art class which was a requirement for all art student, the class’ professor suggested me to try painting. And then, I was into painting. I changed my major to Fine Arts. My oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting was selected to the Annual Student Art Exhibition in KBCC. Moreover, I got the first prize in the painting section. Even though I changed my major, I still wanted to go to FIT, so I created my portfolio and took an eligible score of TOEFL. Finally, in 2018, I transferred from KBCC to FIT. The first oil painting I’ve done in FIT has been exhibited in SUNY headquarters in Albany since last fall. The third oil painting had been exhibited for a few months in FIT. Furthermore, I had two pop-up exhibitions this year. I showed oil painting and sculpture. Now, I started working and experimenting for the senior thesis and coming exhibition.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As I said, I came to NYC by myself. It means I had no one to rely on. I had to deal with myself. I moved house five times because of location and situation. I went to the police a few times due to sexual assault. Trying to overcome all things, I feel like I’m getting strong and more into Art. When I’m working on my art, I can release my stress and anxiety. Through my art, I express my thought, scream, and conflict.
We’d love to hear more about your artwork.
I’ve done so many paintings by oil, acrylic, and watercolor, and drawings by pencil, charcoal, and pen. Moreover, I started working on sculpture and printmaking since last year. I also like drawing an illustration. As for illustration, I use my iPad.
What were you like growing up?
I was born in Japan and lived for 18 years. I was growing up in a restricted environment. When I was a middle and high school student, I was supposed to be the same as everyone. I mean we were not allowed to be unique. For instance, we had a uniform and almost the same hair color and hairstyle. Teachers expected students to go to a top-level college in Japan. I desired to have bleached hair, wear outrageous cloth, and express myself freely. I was so stressed out. Since I came to NYC, my life was totally changed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikus.art.blog/
- Phone: 6468374402
- Email: miku.sekimoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miku_s_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miku.sekimoto.7
Image Credit:
Miku Sekimoto
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