We had the good fortune of connecting with Hitomi Matoba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hitomi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creatives of all mediums bring more color to the world we live in. As a writer, model, and an all-around artistic being, I want to play my part in this painting called life, adding to it my words, my poetry, and through other creative ways where I can express my emotions vulnerably. I can’t not create, to me it’s like breathing if I stopped I’d suffocate and it would take away so much vibrance from my life.

There have been many times where these creative concepts have appeared into my mind out of the blue as epiphanies or “aha” moments, and it gives me the feeling that the artistic path chose me as much as I chose it. I see myself merely as a vessel for higher consciousness to channel art through, hence why choosing this career path is deeper than just because it brings me much joy and healing.

It started as a mere form of therapy/a hobby for me since I was 10 years old, and it wasn’t until recently that I realized being an artist of words is more than just a hobby, it’s my soul purpose. To share love, light, and wisdom through writing, and to help others expand their own emotional/spiritual/artistic consciousness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Writing is a way for me to romanticize my life and all that I experience on this journey; the love, the lust, the beautiful chaos of breakups, and makeups. Through the art form of poetic speech, I write stories based on personal experiences, my past foolishness and the wisdom I have now because of it, and so much more. Life is all about telling stories, to be as exposed, as vulnerable as you can, because otherwise what’s the point in leading a “safe” life? I create to show the world that it’s safe to live on the wild side, to explore your depths as scary as it might be sometimes and that it is safe to break out of the “safe zones” or what we call the societal norms. My art is about being naked and true to yourself and the world around you because that’s when we begin truly expressing that powerful life force within us through different creative mediums.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am originally from Lake Arrowhead, CA, or some know it better as the mountain neighbor to Big Bear. If you’re a big nature lover, Arrowhead is your heaven on earth. There are so many hiking trails with the most magical views of the forest, lake, and depending on which hike, you may even see the city below the mountains. The Village is a must-see if it’s your first time. For wine lovers, there is “The Grapevine”, a winery sitting right atop the lake, and there’s nothing more romantic than a charcuterie board paired with a good dark red whilst catching the sunset. For my cafe and pastry connoisseurs, there is “The Coffee and Tea Exchange” with outdoor seating, an amazing spot to flip through a good novel or to write one with a latte in hand. Lake Arrowhead isn’t much of a party town, however, if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend to get away from all the chatter, this is the place to elope to.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe that everyone we meet can bring so much depth and meaning to our lives, and there have been a handful of people that have definitely brought out the best in me; my dearest friend Maria Verseau–a fashion designer and entrepreneur-in-the-making, my spiritual mentor Elijah who has truly supported me in my darkest times and whom I’ve also shared many creative concepts with, a woman who I look up to for a myriad of things; Lyena Kang–self-made model/model mentor and creative director, and last but not least my final shoutout goes to Allen & Houston Magazine. They were the first magazine I was published in, the editor Issie Wing made me feel seen and heard, and for any creative, that first published work will forever be a monumental moment on their creative journey.

x

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitomimatobaa/?hl=en

Other: Poetry page IG: https://www.instagram.com/wordsbyhtmi/?hl=en

Image Credits
Alison Gregson (black and white print), Brittney (headshot), Marcus Abejar (second to last photo)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.