Introducing the art of Jan Tetsutani (Interview)

JAN TETSUTANI

DESTIG TORONTO - ART | DESIGN | TRAVEL - ISSUE 09 / JANUARY 2021

BEST OF 2020 | TODAY'S GREAT CANADIAN ARTISTS | SPECIAL ART FEATURES | HOT PICKS

"HOW MARVELOUS THAT THEY BROUGHT FORTH SUCH MAGNIFICIENCE FROM THEIR BRUSHES AND CHISELS." - ANONYMOUS

"Conversations with God, expressed in coastal themes and abstract art.

Many times, it feels as if God uses my natural surroundings to communicate to me. I translate that into my art... I believe art is a bridge to connect with someone. There is someone on the other side of the work who is looking for beauty, inspiration or hope. Art is like a glance, that can touch the soul."

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Jan Tetsutani almost never became an artist. She is

while involved in church ministry, this all changed when I

self-taught and was born and raised on the island of

felt God nudged me to use the creative gift He had given

O’ahu, Hawaii. Jan’s paintings are conversations with

me. It was so unexpected. God showed me that the dream

God expressed in coastal themes and abstract art.

was not dead, just dormant. Like a seed, it was up to me to

Her works are found in luxury homes around the

start nurturing it. But how would I nurture it? It seemed

world.

impossible. About a week later, a professional artist, Delro Rosco started offering painting classes at my church. What

Tell us a bit about your background and your calling

timing! I was like a dry sponge absorbing whatever I could

to full-time art.

learn. Delro and his wife, Sue, recognized I had a gift and

My grandparents migrated from Japan to Hawaii to

offered to help me.

find a better life. With only a 2nd grade education, my mom’s mother struggled as a widow, with nine

Like a chrysalis in its cocoon, I felt the struggle of

children. My father’s mother was a single parent as

embracing this call as an artist. Self-doubt, feeling like an

well with four children living in a one room home. As a

imposter, feeling like an orphan, feeling too old and too

child, I dreamt of being a successful artist, but as a

late were all obstacles God was helping me to overcome

teenager the dream died. Over two decades later,

with mentors and an artist community. As my work started

selling and doors started opening, I was

smiles on our faces. It's stunning and

affirmed of my calling as an artist. Today

we're so happy that it will have a

the dream is alive and well.

permanent place in our home. Thank you!!"

Describe the power of art to transform

– Alli Polin, Australia

living spaces.

"More than ever, we want our homes to be calm and happy.

Art has the power to ignite our imagination to take us to beautiful places of serenity."

More than ever, we want our homes to be

“Your painting became a favorite with the

calm and happy. Art has the power to

family. I am very thankful’

ignite our imagination to take us to

- Akiko Tezuka, Japan

beautiful places of serenity. It can change the atmosphere and soothe the soul. Art

You have said "I don’t just care about art.

allows us to slow down, reflect and just

I care about you." Why is it important to

be.

have the viewer in mind while creating?

I believe art is a bridge to connect with

Share with us some of the feedback from

someone. There is someone on the other

collectors.

side of the work who is looking for beauty,

“Thank you again for your consistently

inspiration or hope. Art is like a glance,

gorgeous work!! I am so excited about all

that can touch the soul.

of your art here!"

– Christine Merritt, Cabos

Share with us some of the highlights in your career so far.

"...it honestly took our breath away. Our

It is an honor to be a part of Four Seasons

family of four stood there with HUGE

Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina’s curated artist

"God has always been faithful. Much of my inspiration comes from my life and my time spent with God. Whatever I paint, I feel His delight. I can’t imagine life without Him." "I am so blessed to live in Hawaii, it’s such a beautiful place. From the mountains to the ocean, inspiration.

I have barely scratched the surface trying to capture and create the awe and wonder that surrounds me."

program called #FSWayfinders. This partnership allows me

How would you describe your style of painting?

to exhibit my work, host workshops, participate in art shows

Conversations with God, expressed in coastal themes

and paint live in the lobby giving me the opportunity to meet

and abstract art. Many times, it feels as if God uses my

so many wonderful people from around the world. In 2018 I

natural surroundings to communicate to me.

was invited to Nagoya, Japan to exhibit my work and host

I translate that into my art.

workshops. That same year, I was commissioned to paint a mural at the luxury ocean resort & residences called Timbers

What role has faith had on your art career?

Kauai. Being invited as one of featured artists at Manoa

Despite the many disappointments and hurt I have

Gallery and having my work alongside some of Hawaii’s

faced; God has always been faithful. Much of my

masterful artists that l admire, has truly been an honor.

inspiration comes from my life and my time spent with

"I value those that experience my art.

I believe in offering nothing less than my best."

God. Whatever I paint, I feel His delight. I can’t imagine

person workshops there. I wanted to help in some way.

life without Him.

My online painting workshops were one way to let people who were isolated and alone know someone cared. I’ve

You have been described as radiating an infectious

never done a livestream on Facebook before, but I went

energy. What is the secret to your positive force?

for it. I was so surprised that it reached people from

I believe to be fully known (the good, the bad and the ugly)

around the world like in places like London, Lithuania,

and fully loved, has brought much healing to my soul. I am

Japan, Tahiti, South Africa and the States. Separated

thankful to be alive and I consider each day as a precious

families were able to connect with each other via the free

gift from God.

painting workshops. Nurses said it was what they looked forward to amidst the chaos.

Tell us about Hawaii and its role in your art?

I am so blessed to live in Hawaii, it’s such a beautiful place.

Why is it important for you to execute a high-quality

From the mountains to the ocean, inspiration. I have

piece of art every time?

barely scratched the surface trying to capture and create

There are two reasons:

the awe and wonder that surrounds me.

1) I value those that experience the art piece.

2) Because I believe in offering nothing less than my best.

You create custom art pieces and murals. How do you approach custom work?

Your art pieces are across a spectrum of sizes. Do you

I approach custom work by first having a conversation

prefer large or smaller pieces?

with the client. I like to hear their vision and heart for the

I actually prefer larger pieces as I feel more freedom

custom work.

when I paint larger pieces.

Your online tutorials have been a resounding success.

Tell us about this aspect of your work.

Website: www.jantetsutaniart.com

When COVID hit, everything at Four Seasons Resort

Instagram: @jantetsutaniart

came to a halt along with exhibiting my art and hosting in

Facebook: @jantetsutaniart