Meet Kazuya Morimoto | Historical cityscape painter

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

Hi Kazuya, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the history that people have built up, especially the old cityscape that leaves its footprints. And I am impressed by the spirit of inheriting its history to the present day harmonizing with the old cityscape.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never thought that I would be a street artist in the beginning of my career as an artist. I was just painting street scenes to relax myself and enjoying the beautiful historic neighborhood and some local cafes. Somehow locals found my paintings are unique and valuable. But I was not selling because it was just for myself .but locals kept asking me to buy my paintings. So I started to sell only to people who have something important reasons. They love the Westvillage and they have so many intimate memories in this neighborhood. And they loved my style of watercolor which I ignored the typical watercolor techniques but my own way to describe the city. I always paint on the street never work from photo. I guess that capture the reality life of New York City in my sketch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I thank to the locals of NYC especially the Westvillage ,who are supporting my art and cherish with their memories living in the neighborhood and people who effort to preserve this historical neighborhood to keep the quality. Personally, I would like to thank to Liv Tyler for giving me a chance to make me realise the beauty of this historic district of Westvillage.

Website: Kazuyamorimoto.com

Instagram: Kazuyamorimotonyc

Image Credits
Kazuya morimoto