Voice of current students
*The academic year of current students is as of 2021.
Noe Ishii
Visual Design 4th year
From Fukushima prefecture
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
From the perspective of visual design, we conduct research and production with the theme of expressing people's individuality and individuality.Expressing and conveying a person's individuality and charm in a unique way.And by getting to know and recognize each other's individuality, people can connect with each other in their own way.To that end, while thinking about what we can do with the power of design, we are trying to connect with people who have diverse personalities and ways of thinking by taking advantage of the University of Tsukuba environment, such as friends, teachers, students from various academic departments, and people from the local community. We are making use of this information to conduct interviews and research.
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the School of Arts?
People specializing in various fields are always around us.Even within the art major, there are various fields such as design, art, calligraphy, etc., and there are a wide variety of academic departments outside of the art major, and while I felt close to people outside of my field, I was able to experience things that I didn't have. It's very exciting and fun to be able to learn new perspectives, knowledge, and techniques.We often launch projects that take advantage of each other's expertise across disciplines and academic departments, and I think it's a very attractive environment where we can work together to accomplish things that we wouldn't be able to do alone.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
I am often involved in planning and designing activities related to the people and community of Tsukuba.The experience of understanding the individuality, charm, goals, and aspirations of the Areas of study and its people, coming up with ideas from the same perspective, coming up with plans together, and expressing them visually is a great experience that people can actually see. It's very rewarding and fun because you can touch it and get feedback, and I feel like it's helping me improve my skills because I get to work on designing a wide range of things based on my own ideas, which are a little different from the actual assignments.
Haruka Omori
Art environment support 4Years
Born in Okayama Prefecture
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
Planning and management of modeling workshops for children. Since my first year, I have participated in various projects, traveled to various locations in and outside of Tsukuba, and been involved in workshops.Although it is difficult to hold workshops face-to-face due to the current coronavirus pandemic, we are holding workshops about once a month, holding them online and making small business trips.Additionally, my graduation thesis, which I am currently writing, deals with the theme of workshops, and I would like to master the crafting workshop through practice and research, and continue to create many places where people can gather around art. .
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the School of Arts?
By being exposed to the diverse perspectives and ways of thinking of the various students enrolled in the school, you will be able to deepen your own thinking and broaden your horizons.In addition, you can meet friends who can lend you their strength, so I think it's an environment where it's easy to start the activities you want to do.There are also opportunities to interact with students from other departments, so you can hear objective opinions about art and learn how your field of expertise is perceived in society. I feel that being able to learn things at home is a benefit that other art schools don't have.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
We are working to obtain teacher (middle and high school art department) and curator qualifications. In June of my fourth year, I completed my teaching training at the affiliated school, and in January I am preparing to begin my curatorial training at a local art museum.The qualification course is difficult, with many credits and assignments to complete, but you will be able to gain specialized and practical knowledge and valuable experience through classes and practical training. I think I'm in a very fortunate environment where I can earn multiple qualifications in four years if I work hard, so I have a little time left, but I want to do my best until the end.
Yui Uchikoshi
Composition 4 years
Born in Chiba
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
In the research field of ``composition,'' we are learning about formative expression that focuses on the appearance and characteristics of shapes themselves.Specifically, I am currently creating works based on the research theme of ``sculptures that show diverse expressions when viewed from a different perspective.''The concept of composition may seem difficult at first glance, but what I value in my research and production is ``pure enjoyment of form.''When I create my works, I think about how to convey to others the fun that I feel in the formative aspects of my work.
Q.What do you think is good about coming to the School of Arts?
It's about learning art from many different angles.A major feature of the School of Arts is that students can easily take classes from other majors and groups.When I entered the university, I had a wide range of interests and took classes in subjects such as art and printmaking.I also wanted to learn about the technical aspects of museum exhibitions, so I am taking classes in museum studies with the aim of obtaining curatorial qualifications.I feel that I have acquired a multifaceted way of thinking about art by acquiring cross-disciplinary knowledge rather than just a specific field.
Q.What are you passionate about outside of school?
I am a member of the university's archery club.Students in art majors are sometimes told that it may be difficult to balance their assignments and club activities.However, since archery is an individual sport, and in my case I was already experienced, I was able to participate flexibly in practice.By concentrating and drawing the bow, I feel that I am mentally unified, and it is a nice change of pace.It is also exciting to be exposed to the diverse ways of thinking of friends from other schools through the club, and I think this is an experience that can only be achieved at this university.
Yuichi Ebina
Architectural design 3 years
From Tokyo
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
I am studying architecture at university, but my interests lie more in film.I like the worldview that exists in each video work, and while learning about the elaborate settings and ingenuity in how to present it, I am also challenging myself to turn my own worldview into a film.Regarding architecture, I would like to utilize what I have learned through classes and assignments in the future.I feel like it will be more fun if I study a little more and understand more about the industry and the way of thinking about design, so I'm not sure whether to pursue a career in film or architecture.
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the School of Arts?
I was able to meet friends who work with me on productions.I am a new type of friend that I didn't have before, and although we have only been together for a short time, we were able to build a deep friendship as we created something together.We are able to create works while receiving inspiration from each other, so it is also a source of growth for me.It was also great that I was able to freely take classes related to visual studies, such as graphics classes, even though I was in the architecture field.I think one of the attractions of the University of Tsukuba is that you can freely take classes in fields that are different from your desired field.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
Currently, I have a lot of classes and work to do, so I am not able to work hard on what I want to do.However, even in such a situation, since I am producing videos independently, I go out to shoot and edit when I have free time every week.I'm grateful to have a job.When I start receiving benefits, I get happy and get excited about it, but when there is a discrepancy between what I really want to do and the content of my work, I end up feeling like I wasted the time I was spending on work.Once I'm less busy, I would like to reduce the amount of work I do and have more time for the things I want to do and my studies.
Manami Maeda
Crafts (woodworking/lacquer art) 3rd year
Born in Ibaraki
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
It is the production of furniture by carving out a block of wood.I work with the theme of proposing low-seat furniture suitable for Japan's modern lifestyle, but at the same time I am also exploring sculptural expression.It's a lot of fun to think about ways to make use of wood as a material, such as stacking it up like stones to make furniture.When working with large pieces of wood, there are many unexpected issues such as cracks as it is a natural material, but I work every day thinking that it would be great if I could create a piece that can be said to be one of the charms of wood. doing.
Q. About the members of the College of Arts and Sciences
Since you can take classes with students from a variety of majors, you will naturally make many friends who study outside of your field of expertise.I have many unique friends who have different ways of thinking than I do, and listening to their opinions is very helpful when it comes to production, and allows me to see things in a different way than before.We often help each other by leveraging our respective fields of expertise, and are able to have fun working on our productions every day.Also, even within the same woodworking laboratory, each of us produces different things, and listening to the presentations of our seniors at seminars is very stimulating.
Q. Anything else you would like to highlight?
If you have the time, you can really take a variety of classes.You can take classes in fields of interest outside of the art school, and it is also possible to make friends from other schools.I find it very attractive that the classes in the School of Arts offer a variety of practical training.By participating in practical training outside of my field of expertise, I used to only sketch on paper when thinking about the shape of my work, but I have learned a variety of methods such as using oil clay and Styrofoam, and I have expanded my range of expression. I feel that I was able to expand this.
Tsuyoshi Kusano
Book 4th year
Born in Saitama prefecture
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
Among the various areas of calligraphy, I have been most interested in seal engraving.In my graduation thesis, I would like to reconsider its place in the history of seal engraving by focusing on a single seal engraver and analyzing it based on the work and the accompanying linguistic materials.I made many discoveries while working on my thesis, which I feel will have a positive impact on my production.My future goal is to explore my own unique expression while incorporating ancient techniques and approaches to creation.
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the College of Arts?
I was able to take classes from other majors and fields.There are many things that can be applied to calligraphy, such as production techniques, how to use tools, and ideas from art history.For example, I sometimes use drawing-like techniques in my work, and I feel that there are areas where I can also apply the perspective of art history.The opportunity to receive instruction from expert teachers is extremely valuable, and especially for students studying calligraphy, I believe it is an experience that cannot be obtained at other universities.
Q. Anything else you would like to highlight?
I decided to pursue a career in calligraphy because I love writing, but I realized that calligraphy was not the only thing I wanted to do.The University of Tsukuba is almost the only university where calligraphy is considered a part of the arts, and I believe it is the most suitable environment for learning theory and research methods related to calligraphy.I would like to continue to work on calligraphy, applying the knowledge I have acquired to practical skills, and conversely developing an eye for appreciation and analysis through practical skills.
Yasuto Hasegawa
Information/Product Design 3rd year
Born in Ibaraki
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
I'm interested in the design itself.The word "design" has become widespread throughout the world, but new definitions and new ways of being are being asked every day.Under such circumstances, I am thinking about ``what is design in the first place?'' as I pursue design as my career in the future.For this reason, I am not daring to narrow down my interests, but instead am working on my creations by delving into every field that can handle design.
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the College of Arts?
There are two freedoms. The first is freedom of study.In the Art Specialization School, you can organize your courses quite freely, and you can advance your studies according to your interests and production. The second is freedom of production.When it comes to design assignments, we proceed with the production based on a theme, but I think this is an environment where responses from free angles are accepted, rather than a fixed approach.I think it was great to have an environment where I could freely express my own interests and vision.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
I mainly work on independent production and competitions.In terms of independent production, I use 3D printers to create experimental shapes and design cameras and daily necessities.We apply the ideas generated through this process to various competitions and interact with designers from outside the university.By showing your ideas to others rather than just admiring them yourself, you can not only brush up on your designs but also meet new people.
Misakura Hiruma
General modeling 4th year
From Kanto
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
I create short animations that tell stories without using sound or language.Animation is composed of various elements that are comprehensively involved, such as the pictures and movements on the screen that are most visible, as well as sound, time, and presentation format.My current challenge is to be conscious of time, and to incorporate what I want the audience to feel into the progression and slowness of the scene as I produce.I would like to gain a thorough understanding of the characteristics of images and be able to utilize them in the expressions I want to express.
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the College of Arts?
Being in an environment where you can talk to other students and teachers about your interests and what you want to try is close by.In my case, even when I was busy with assignments, I was able to maintain my motivation for independent production because I had regular opportunities for such consultations through seminars and other events.Of course I get opinions on the current state of my work, but one of the things I like about it is that sometimes I get help with production from unexpected sources.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
Although this activity is an extension of my studies, I also actively apply to competitions outside the university.I often get opinions that are completely different from those on campus, which is very stimulating.At times, I'm quite troubled by the discrepancy between the reviews given at the competition and the reviews I get from within the university, but it gives me an opportunity to objectively reevaluate my own work.
SEJIMA Natsuki
Sculpture 3rd year
From Tokyo
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
Friends of international students who do dance(People from China)When I got in touch with him the other day, he said, ``I had an idea! I want to dance on clay,'' and I've been thinking about what it would be like to create a dance space out of clay.There seems to be some connection between dancing on the earth and dancing on clay, and I think it's a good idea.Nothing has been decided yet and I don't know if I can make it happen, but I'm thinking about it slowly and hope to make it happen.
Q. About the members of the College of Arts and Sciences
I really think that the people in the art school are very kind.There have been several times when I've made a comment or idea that I'm unsure of, but they've thought about it with me and tried to spread the word, saying, ``That's good,'' or ``Let's do this to make it even better.''Also, even though we are in the same building, each person is doing something very different, and there are many things that I don't know about other areas, so it's interesting to talk to them from time to time.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
I take photos with a hairdresser I know, and I design the space, make the props, and occasionally act as the photographer.The sculptures I usually make need to be sturdy, but the props used in the photoshoots are only preserved as photographs, so being allowed a certain degree of fragility gives me freedom and is fun.On the other hand, I think that sculptures that can be preserved for many years are truly amazing.I would like to do my best in independent production so that I can return many things to the learning of sculpture.
shepherd jacklin
Japanese painting 3rd year
From Washington State, USA
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
I am interested in spreading the traditional expression of Japanese painting to a wider world.Although it has a classical image, I believe that in order to develop the current variety of Japanese painting expressions into the future, we need to increase opportunities to come into contact with Japanese paintings.Currently, I am interested in the combination of engineering, information science, and Japanese painting, so I am looking forward to taking on challenges such as analyzing and reproducing historical paintings using digital technology, and disseminating expressions based on Japanese painting to the world through digital animation. I think that I want to do it.
Q. About the members of the College of Arts and Sciences
I think the good thing about the College of Arts and Sciences is that you can cross over all art fields and learn about things that interest you, while cultivating expertise in the field.The fact that the College of Fine Arts is part of a comprehensive university was a major reason why I wanted to enroll, so I am very grateful for the environment where I can learn about other fields.In parallel with the field of Japanese painting, I began to actively study other fields and fields other than art.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
My goal is to spread the appeal of Japanese painting expression not only through paintings but also through various contents, so I am preparing to intern at an animation studio in my home country of the United States.For this reason, I am currently working on creating a portfolio that can convey the unique worldview of Japanese paintings in an easy-to-understand manner.Additionally, I am independently producing animations and short films that utilize my experience as an international student. Four years may seem like a long time, but it feels like it has been very short, so I would like to cherish those moments by retelling the things I experience in everyday life in Japan through video.
KUNO Ryunosuke
Prints 3rd year
Born in Saga Prefecture
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
This is work production in the area of printmaking.From the time I entered the school until the end of my second year, I worked hard at creating works in oil painting, but in my third year, I developed an interest in areas other than Western painting, and began creating works in prints.I found it very attractive that a single drawing could be used as a form of expression, and that's what made me want to study printmaking.Currently, I am working hard to create works that take advantage of the free expression of prints and maintain an exquisite balance in the painting's components such as surface area, depth, lines, and light and shade, while also having unique lines and colors. Masu.
Q. About the members of the College of Arts and Sciences
There are people with whom you can easily exchange opinions.Since this is a group of people who want to study art professionally, there are many people who are passionate about research, and when you consult with them about their work, they will analyze it and give you a clear opinion.If you have a different major, you will get to hear different opinions, and there will be times when you will be relied on, and I will be very happy when that happens.By actively speaking, you have the opportunity to verbalize your opinions, and because the other person responds, you can find new fields of interest and discoveries, and you can learn a lot regardless of whether you are a senior or a junior.
Q. What are you passionate about outside of school?
It's about getting your life in order.In university life, especially for art students, there are many students who have no restrictions on their work because their assignments are to create works of art, or they create their own work in the first place, so there is no set standard for completing the work in XNUMX hours.When people live alone and have the freedom to adjust their time, some people's lives become disrupted and they tend to be late for classes, so in order to balance personal life, schoolwork, and production, the first step is to have a well-organized personal life. I care.
Yudai Shimoyama
Art history 3rd year
From Tokyo
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
A study of postwar art in Canada.I utilize the attitude I developed in my art history classes to carefully consider works, texts, and the systems surrounding art, as well as the interdisciplinary approach to culture and society I learned in classes at other academic departments.Additionally, because I receive a grant from the ``Leading Researcher Experience Program,'' which supports the research of 1st to 3rd year students, I am able to undertake research that costs money.I am grateful for the environment that allows me to deeply pursue art and culture.
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the College of Arts?
It is a practical way to learn the methods of art history.In the field of art history, there are a large number of teachers relative to the number of students, and the teachers have a variety of specialized fields, so I feel that I can receive detailed guidance that suits me.Particularly in seminar classes, students are expected to actively participate in presentations and reading of literature, and they receive a wealth of specialized feedback from the instructors.I am also inspired by the successes of our graduates who are working in art-related jobs, mainly as museum curators.
Q. Anything else you would like to highlight?
I try to have a broad perspective and learn from people involved in overseas art and academics.I am currently studying art history and literature as an online exchange student at a Canadian university that is a partner school of the University of Tsukuba.She also participates in the planning and management of the University of Tsukuba's artist-in-residence program called CAIR, collaborating with art students from overseas.I am interested in art, learning, and community that transcend borders and language differences, and I find it rewarding to put it into practice myself.
Yuka Fukuda
Western movies 4th year
Born in Hiroshima
Q. What are you most interested in working on right now?
Q. What do you think is good about coming to the College of Arts?
I was able to be exposed to a wide range of art fields, not just my own major, and I was able to make friends with whom I could learn art together.Although I produce oil paintings in the field of Western painting, I am also able to take classes in other fields such as sculpture, printmaking, and design, allowing me to learn how to approach art from a variety of perspectives.Best of all, you can pursue your art through friendly competition with your classmates, seniors, and juniors who have such diverse perspectives and ideas.For someone like me, who didn't have many people around me who were interested in art until I came to the College of Fine Arts, I feel that this environment is extremely valuable.
Q. Anything else you would like to highlight?
The faculty members of the School of Art will respond enthusiastically to students who are willing to work on productions or research that interests them.It is a waste to just attend classes and practical training.I'm not very good at taking action on my own, but I have the environment and time to learn so much about my own production and art, so if there's something you want to do, try it.Even if you fail, your experience will expand as much as you try, and I think you will have a fun and fulfilling university life!
