00:00
Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive with me. Always a pleasure to be back. Today we're heading over to Japan to listen to a conversation between two artists, Hideki, a sculptor, and Mayumi, who describes herself as an inspiration artist.
Now that's a term we'll have to unpack a bit later on. From what we've gathered, they're both independent artists trying to make their way in a pretty tough art scene.
I can imagine, yeah.
But they're also incredibly insightful about their creative process and self-development, and we thought, you know, why not share their wisdom with you?
That's fantastic. I mean, what I find so captivating about this conversation is that it just goes way beyond art techniques.
Yeah.
They really delve into self-awareness, personal growth, even how the changing seasons impact their work.
Yes.
It's like this fascinating blend of practical advice and deeper philosophical reflection.
It really is, and they kick things off with a topic that really resonated with me.
Okay.
How different forms of media can reveal things about ourselves we might not even notice in our day-to-day lives.
I see what you're saying. Yeah.
So, for example, Mayumi shares this experience from when she was living in Saudi Arabia, where she was constantly being photographed.
Oh, wow. Okay.
And looking back at those photos, she was kind of struck by how toned she appeared.
Really?
Even though she didn't feel particularly fit at the time.
That's so interesting.
It really makes you wonder, right?
It does, yeah.
Could it be that just the act of being observed, of being captured in a photo, actually influenced her posture, her energy, even her self-perception?
Yeah, like that saying, the camera adds 10 pounds.
Exactly, but in reverse.
Right, exactly.
It's such a fascinating idea.
It is.
And one that both Hideki and Mayumi seem to really embrace.
Okay.
They believe that putting yourself out there, making yourself visible, can actually be a catalyst for self-improvement.
Yeah, I like that.
Yeah, it's almost like that external perspective, that awareness of being seen provides a subtle form of accountability.
Exactly.
You know?
And it's not just limited to photography.
They suggest experimenting with different forms of media for self-reflection.
Okay.
Audio recordings of your voice.
Right.
Videos of yourself presenting, even journaling.
Wow.
There's so much we can learn from ourselves, yeah.
It's all about finding ways to step outside of our own heads.
Totally.
Gain that third-person perspective on ourselves, which I have to say is easier said than done.
It is, yeah.
We're so used to experiencing the world from inside our own minds.
Absolutely.
But the potential benefits are pretty intriguing, right?
They are.
By becoming more aware of how we come across to others.
We might start to adjust our behaviors or habits.
03:00
Totally.
Even our thoughts.
Yeah.
And speaking of challenges, Hideki and Mayumi don't shy away from discussing the difficulties they face as independent artists, especially within the Japanese art market.
Right.
Yeah, they get pretty specific, actually.
Oh, do you?
About the barriers they've encountered.
They mention how limited the market is, which makes it tough to gain recognition and sell their work.
Right.
But what's really interesting is how they're using technology to overcome these limitations.
It's like they're taking a page from the tech startup playbook.
Totally.
Embracing innovation and a global mindset.
I love it.
It's very cool.
They actually highlight the platform they're using for this very conversation.
Yes.
As a prime example of how technology can connect artists with audiences worldwide.
It's really cool.
And they're not stopping there.
They also talk about utilizing AI translation to reach a wider audience.
That's amazing.
I find it really inspiring how they're not just complaining about the challenges.
Yeah.
They're actively seeking out solutions and pretty creative ones at that.
Yes, sir.
Now we've touched on self-awareness and navigating the art world.
Right.
But where I think this conversation gets really interesting is when they start talking about seasonal rhythms and how those rhythms impact their creative cycles.
I see.
Hideki in particular seems really attuned to these natural cycles.
Interesting.
He specifically talks about the period from January to March as being like a crucial time for setting intentions and renewing his creative energy.
Makes sense.
And he even connects this to Setsubun.
Oh, wow.
A Japanese holiday marking the end of winter.
OK.
It's like he's tapping into the energy of that symbolic fresh start.
I see.
To fuel his creative goals.
That's really fascinating.
It really is.
What I find so fascinating is he's not just talking about setting goals in a general sense.
He's aligning his goal setting with the rhythms of nature.
Right.
It makes you wonder.
It does.
Does tapping into these natural cycles actually enhance our productivity or creativity?
It's a question worth pondering, don't you think?
Absolutely.
I know I'm already thinking about how the changing seasons impact my own energy levels and motivation.
Totally.
And maybe that's part of what makes their perspective so compelling.
They're inviting us to pay attention to these subtle, often overlooked influences in our own lives.
Exactly.
And it's not just about passively observing these cycles.
OK.
They actually offer some pretty concrete advice for how to align our actions and intentions with these natural rhythms.
And what do they recommend?
Well, they suggest taking a cue from nature's own cycle of renewal and using the start of the year,
specifically those first few months, as a time to reflect on the past year and set clear intentions for the year ahead.
I see.
Almost like nature itself is giving us permission to hit the reset button.
06:01
It's a beautiful way to think about it.
It really is.
It's like we can harness that natural energy of new beginnings and channel it into our own goals and aspirations.
I like that.
But they don't stop at yearly planning.
OK.
They also dive into the importance of setting weekly intentions.
Interesting.
Which, to be honest, is something I've never been very good at.
Well, their approach is surprisingly simple, yet really insightful.
OK.
They recommend taking a few minutes every Monday to plan out the week ahead.
But here's the interesting twist.
OK.
They suggest identifying one thing you want to achieve that week, a concrete goal,
but also one positive thing you believe might come your way.
That's a really cool concept.
Right.
Combining a proactive approach with an openness to unexpected possibilities.
Exactly.
It's like setting an intention, but also being open to serendipity.
Yeah.
And they emphasize the importance of writing these aspirations down.
OK.
Almost like creating a mini manifesto for your week.
They believe that the act of writing it down helps to solidify the intention.
Right.
Make it more likely to manifest.
So we've talked about their advice for setting yearly and weekly intentions.
Yeah.
But what really struck me was their emphasis on aligning those intentions with specific time frames.
I see.
It seems like they're suggesting that there's a unique power in aligning our actions with certain natural cycles.
I see what you're saying.
It's not just about setting any goal at any time.
Right.
It's about choosing the right time for the right intention.
Interesting.
Yeah.
I'm starting to see a pattern here.
Me too.
It seems they really believe in the power of aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of the world around us.
Yes.
Whether it's the changing seasons or even the simple rhythm of the week.
And it makes me wonder if there's something deeper at play here.
Yeah.
Could it be that by consciously aligning ourselves with these natural rhythms, we're tapping into a source of energy or inspiration that wouldn't be accessible otherwise?
It's a pretty fascinating idea to consider.
It really is.
Yeah.
And it definitely makes me want to experiment with their suggestions and see what unfolds.
Yeah.
But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let's take a step back and unpack another key theme from their conversation.
OK.
Their experience navigating the art world as independent artists.
Right.
And this is where their entrepreneurial spirit really shines through.
They talk about the challenges they face, but also the innovative strategies they've developed to overcome those challenges.
Yeah.
It's a real master class in resourcefulness and self-promotion.
And what's even more impressive is that they're doing all of this while maintaining a strong sense of artistic integrity.
Right.
They're not compromising their vision to fit into some pre-existing mold.
Yeah.
They're creating their own path.
And that, I think, is a really valuable lesson for anyone.
09:00
Totally.
Whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur, or just someone pursuing a passion project.
Yeah.
It's about being resourceful, being adaptable.
And not being afraid to carve out your own space in the world.
And speaking of carving out space, let's dive into Hideki's work as a sculptor.
OK.
From what I understand, his work is incredibly intricate and detailed.
Wow.
Almost like he's breathing life into these inanimate materials.
Interesting.
And what's really fascinating is that he views his sculpting process as a form of self-discovery.
I see.
He talks about how the act of shaping and molding these materials forces him to confront his own limitations and to push beyond his comfort zone.
I could see that.
It's almost like he's using the physical act of sculpting as a metaphor for the process of self-improvement.
Right.
He's literally shaping and refining himself through his art.
And this brings us back to that intriguing term Mayumi used to describe herself, an inspiration artist.
Right.
Yeah.
I've been wondering about that.
I've been dying to unpack that.
Yeah.
What exactly does she mean by inspiration artist?
Well, from what I've gathered.
It seems her work is less about creating tangible objects and more about creating experiences, sparking ideas and inspiring others.
It's a very different approach to art making.
Yeah.
But no less impactful.
For sure.
It's almost like she's creating a space for like contemplation and reflection.
Yeah.
Rather than presenting a finished product.
Exactly.
And she talks about drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources.
Nature, literature, philosophy, even everyday conversations.
Oh, wow.
It's as if she's constantly absorbing the world around her.
Yeah.
And then transforming those experiences into something that can spark inspiration in others.
Which I have to say is a pretty amazing talent.
It is.
It really is.
Yeah.
And it makes me think about the different ways we can all be inspiration artists in our own lives.
Yeah.
Even if we're not working in a traditional artistic medium.
Absolutely.
It could be as simple as sharing a thought-provoking article.
Yeah.
Introducing someone to a new idea.
Or even just listening with genuine empathy and curiosity.
We all have the potential to inspire and be inspired by others.
Okay.
So we've talked about how Hideki and Mayumi approach their art.
Yeah.
But let's circle back to that really practical advice they shared.
Okay.
About aligning our actions with natural rhythms.
Right.
And one of the things they emphasize is the importance of setting weekly intentions.
They suggest taking some time every Monday to plan out the week ahead.
Okay.
Identifying one concrete goal you want to achieve.
Yeah.
And one positive thing you believe might come your way.
I love that combination of intention and anticipation.
Right.
It's like setting a course.
But also being open to the unexpected detours and discoveries along the way.
Exactly.
And I have to admit I'm already feeling a bit more motivated to tackle my to-do list this week.
12:00
Well, that's the power of their approach.
It's not about rigid planning or forcing outcomes.
It's about aligning your actions with your intentions.
Right.
And then trusting the process.
And speaking of trusting the process.
They also have some really insightful thoughts on navigating the often unpredictable world of art.
Yes.
And this is where their entrepreneurial spirit really shines through.
Totally true.
They talk about the challenges they face.
Particularly within the limited Japanese art market.
Right.
But also the creative strategies they've developed to overcome those limitations.
They actually get quite specific about their approach.
They do.
Yeah.
They mention using online platforms like Patreon.
Okay.
To connect directly with patrons and build a sustainable income stream.
Interesting.
They also talk about utilizing AI translation.
Wow.
To make their work accessible to a wider global audience.
It's amazing how they're leveraging technology.
It is.
To break down geographical barriers and create their own opportunities.
Yeah.
They're not just waiting for someone to discover them.
Right.
They're actively building their own platforms.
Yeah.
And connecting with audiences worldwide.
And this is a valuable lesson for anyone in a creative field.
Yeah.
Or really any field.
Yeah.
Where building a network and reaching a wider audience is essential.
We live in a globalized world.
Right.
And technology is giving us unprecedented opportunities.
Yeah.
To connect with people across borders.
Absolutely.
It's about being proactive.
Being resourceful.
And not being afraid to experiment with new tools and strategies.
Right.
And I think this brings us to one of the most inspiring aspects of Hideki and Mayumi's conversation.
Okay.
Their unwavering belief in their own creative potential.
I see what you mean.
They radiate this sense of possibility and optimism that's really contagious.
You can tell they genuinely love what they do.
Yeah.
And that passion is what fuels their drive to keep experimenting and keep pushing the boundaries of their art.
They're not just creating art.
Yeah.
They're creating a life that's aligned with their passions and values.
I love that.
And that's something we can all aspire to.
Totally.
No matter what our chosen field or area of interest may be.
Absolutely.
It's about finding that sweet spot where your skills, your passions and your values intersect.
Yes.
And then pursuing that intersection with relentless enthusiasm and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
And I think that's what makes their conversation so inspiring.
Yeah.
It's not just about art.
It's about life.
Yeah.
It's about finding your own path.
Right.
Embracing your unique talents.
Totally.
And creating a life that's both meaningful and fulfilling.
They remind us that creativity isn't limited to artists.
Yeah.
It's a force that exists within all of us waiting to be tapped into.
And sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration, a little guidance and a whole lot of courage to bring that creativity to life.
Speaking of inspiration.
Okay.
One of the things that really stood out to me.
Yeah.
Was how Hideki and Mayumi seemed to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources.
15:04
Right.
Nature, literature, philosophy, even everyday conversations.
It's like they're constantly absorbing the world around them.
Yeah.
And then transforming those experiences into something that can fuel their creativity.
And they encourage us to do the same.
Yeah.
To be open to inspiration from unexpected sources.
They suggest keeping a notebook handy to jot down ideas, observations or anything that sparks our curiosity.
It's like they're saying that inspiration isn't something that just happens to us.
Yes.
It's something we actively cultivate.
Right.
Like paying attention to the world around us.
Yeah.
And being open to new experiences.
And this brings us back to their advice about aligning our actions with natural rhythms.
Okay.
They seem to be suggesting that by tuning into the rhythms of nature, the changing seasons, the cycle of day and night.
Yeah.
We can tap into a deeper source of inspiration and creativity.
It's almost like they're encouraging us to become more mindful of our surroundings.
Yeah.
To slow down, to listen to, observe and to allow those observations to inform our creative process.
And this mindfulness extends to their approach to self-reflection.
They emphasize the importance of taking time to step back from the busyness of life and simply observe our own thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
They suggest using different forms of media for this self-reflection.
Right.
Audio recordings, videos, even just journaling.
It's all about finding ways to gain that third person perspective on ourselves.
Yeah.
To see ourselves as others might see us.
And this self-awareness they believe is crucial for personal growth.
By becoming more aware of our own patterns and habits.
Right.
We can start to make conscious choices.
Yeah.
About how we want to show up in the world.
And it's not about judging ourselves or striving for perfection.
No.
It's about approaching self-reflection with a sense of curiosity.
Yeah.
And a willingness to learn and grow.
And this brings us to another key takeaway from their conversation.
OK.
The importance of embracing experimentation and stepping outside of our comfort zones.
Right.
They encourage us to try new things.
Yeah.
To explore different approaches and to not be afraid to fail.
I like that.
They emphasize that failure is not the opposite of success.
Right.
It's part of the journey.
Yeah.
It's through our mistakes and setbacks that we learn and grow the most.
And this willingness to experiment extends to their approach to art making.
Totally.
They talk about the importance of playing with different materials, exploring new techniques.
Yeah.
And constantly challenging themselves.
Right.
To push the boundaries of their creativity.
I see.
They're not afraid to take risks to try something new.
Yeah.
And see what happens.
Mm-hmm.
And that's what makes their work so fresh, so vibrant and so inspiring.
They remind us that creativity is not a destination.
18:02
Yeah.
It's a journey.
It's a process of constant exploration, discovery and evolution.
Right.
And it's a journey that's open to all of us.
Yeah.
Regardless of our background, our skills or our experience.
Now, we've covered a lot of ground here.
Yeah.
But I think it's worth reiterating.
One of the most powerful messages.
Yeah.
That emerged from Hideki and Mayumi's conversation.
Mm-hmm.
The importance of aligning our actions with our intentions.
They believe that when we align our actions with our deepest desires and values.
Right.
We tap into a source of energy and motivation.
Yeah.
That can propel us forward on our chosen path.
And it's not about forcing things to happen.
It's about creating the conditions for success.
Yeah.
By setting clear intentions, taking aligned action and then trusting the process.
And this alignment, they suggest, can be enhanced by paying attention.
Oh, okay.
To the natural rhythms of the world around us.
By syncing our goals and actions with the cycles of nature.
Right.
The changing seasons, the rhythm of the week.
Mm-hmm.
We can tap into a deeper source of inspiration and energy.
It's almost like we're borrowing a bit of nature's wisdom and applying it to our own lives.
And I have to say, that's a pretty compelling idea.
It is.
It makes me want to take a walk in the woods.
Mm-hmm.
Breathe in the fresh air.
Mm-hmm.
And just listen to what nature has to teach me.
Well, maybe that's the perfect takeaway from this conversation.
Yeah.
It's an invitation to slow down, to pay attention.
Right.
To reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
Yeah.
And to allow that connection to fuel our creativity and inspire our actions.
I love that.
Yeah.
And it makes me think about another key theme from their conversation.
Okay.
The importance of self-promotion and building a global audience.
Right.
They really emphasize the need for artists to be proactive and resourceful in promoting their work, especially in today's digital age.
They talk about utilizing online platforms like social media and email marketing to connect directly with fans and potential buyers.
Right.
And they also highlight the power of AI translation to reach a wider global audience.
It's about breaking down those geographical barriers and creating opportunities for yourself rather than waiting for someone else to hand them to you.
And I think this entrepreneurial spirit is something we can all learn from.
Totally.
Whether we're artists, entrepreneurs or simply individuals.
Yeah.
With a passion project we want to share with the world.
It's about taking ownership of your work, your message and your impact.
Right.
And it's about believing in your own potential to make a difference.
Yeah.
No matter how big or small that difference may be.
So we've talked about self-awareness aligning with natural rhythms, navigating the art world and embracing experimentation.
Right.
But I think one of the most important takeaways from Hideki Mayumi's conversation.
Yeah.
Is their emphasis on the power of community.
They talk about the importance of connecting with other artists, sharing ideas, supporting each other's work.
Right.
And creating a sense of belonging.
They believe that community is essential for creative growth.
21:01
Yeah.
And that by surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals we can inspire and be inspired by each other.
And the sense of community isn't limited to the art world.
Totally.
It's something we can all cultivate in our own lives.
Yeah.
By seeking out connections.
With people who share our interests.
Right.
Our passions and our values.
It's about building a network of support, encouragement and inspiration.
Yeah.
That can help us navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of our creative journeys.
And it's about recognizing that we're not alone on this journey.
Yeah.
We're all in this together.
Right.
And by supporting each other we can create a more vibrant.
Yes.
More connected.
Totally.
More creative world.
Beautifully said.
Yeah.
So we've explored Hideki and Mayumi's insights on self-awareness.
Mm-hmm.
Aligning with natural rhythms, navigating the art world.
Yeah.
Embracing experimentation and the power of community.
And I think it's safe to say that their conversation has been a wellspring of inspiration and practical advice.
It really has.
They've challenged us to think differently about our creative process.
Mm.
Our relationship with the world around us.
Right.
And our own potential to make a meaningful impact.
They've reminded us that creativity isn't just a profession.
Yeah.
It's a way of life.
Right.
It's a way of approaching the world with curiosity, with passion.
Mm-hmm.
With a willingness to experiment.
Yeah.
And with a deep appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of all things.
And they've reminded us that we all have a unique contribution.
Yeah.
To make a story.
To tell.
Right.
A vision to share with the world.
And it's a way of life that's accessible to all of us, whether we consider ourselves artists or not.
Right.
What's so inspiring about Hideki and Mayumi is that they don't put themselves on like some pedestal, you know?
Right.
They're so down to earth and approachable.
Yeah.
And they just make the creative process feel accessible to anyone.
Totally.
They've reminded us that creativity isn't about having some special talent or gift.
Mm-hmm.
It's about showing up, doing the work, and being open to the journey.
And that journey, as they've shown us.
Yeah.
Can be filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Challenges and triumphs.
Mm-hmm.
Moments of doubt and moments of pure inspiration.
But it's a journey worth taking, wouldn't you say?
Absolutely.
It's a journey that can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Yeah.
Our world and our own creative potential.
Okay.
So we've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive.
Yeah.
We've explored Hideki and Mayumi's insights on self-awareness.
Yeah.
Aligning with natural rhythms.
Navigating the art world.
Mm-hmm.
Embracing experimentation.
Mm-hmm.
The power of community and so much more.
And I think it's safe to say that their conversation has left us with a wealth of inspiration.
Right.
And practical advice.
It really has.
They've challenged us to think differently about our creative process.
Mm-hmm.
Our relationship with the world around us.
24:01
Yeah.
And our own potential to make a meaningful impact.
They've shown us that creativity isn't just a profession.
Right.
It's a way of life.
Absolutely.
It's a way of approaching the world with curiosity.
With passion.
Mm-hmm.
With a willingness to experiment.
And with a deep appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of all things.
And they've reminded us that we all have a unique contribution to make a story to tell.
A vision to share with the world.
So as we wrap up this deep dive.
Yeah.
I'm left with this like lingering question.
Oh, what's that?
If Hideki and Mayumi are right.
Mm-hmm.
And aligning our creative cycles with natural rhythms.
Yeah.
Like the changing seasons can truly enhance our productivity and fulfillment.
Right.
What small step can we take today.
Yeah.
To start incorporating this concept into our own lives.
Mm-hmm.
That's a good question.
Maybe it's as simple as taking a walk in nature.
Yeah.
And paying attention to the subtle shifts in energy.
Mm-hmm.
Or observing how our own moods and motivations ebb and flow with the seasons.
It's a question worth pondering.
It is.
And perhaps the answer is different for each of us.
Yeah.
But one thing is for sure.
What's that?
Hideki and Mayumi have given us a beautiful framework for thinking about our creative journeys.
And it's up to us to take their insights and make them our own.
Beautifully said.
Until next time.
Keep diving deep.
Keep exploring and keep creating.
Take care everyone.
