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Tsuneo Sanda: Interview by Loren Phillips An artist behind many works familiar to Star
Wars fans talks for the first time. |
The
Samurai Vader below is |
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Granting his first interview ever, artist Tsuneo Sanda answered questions from Loren Phillips, which were translated into Japanese by his agent, who in turn translated Mr. Sanda's replies back into an English format for publication here at Echo Station. We at Echo Station wish thank everyone involved in assisting in our contact with Mr. Sanda.
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Artist Tsuneo Sanda was born in Osaka, Japan. He first came to Tokyo at age 23, and has been there ever since. He lives in a rural, residential town about 20km west of Tokyo with his wife, Sachicko, two sons, Kensaku and Sohei, and Vivian, their American Shorthair cat. "My wife has many hobbies and more talent than I, even though she doesn't realize it. My eldest son, Kensaku, is a third year student at Tokyo National University of Fine Art, where he is studying design. Sohei, my younger son, is in senior high, where he enjoys sports, especially soccer. He is interested in going to the same college as his brother, and is preparing for the entrance exams."
He has traveled overseas to New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. Within Japan, the Sanda's enjoy car trips and winter sport activities throughout their home island of Honshu.
His early idols include Rembrandt, Belgian surrealism artist René Magritte, and American artists Paul Davis and Robert Peak. When asked what inspires his work today, Sanda-san replies "Everything surrounding me is an element of inspiration. I like to give forms to things one cannot see…to attain a higher level of technique by simply making into art what I imagine. When I can achieve a singular unity of heart and technique, I feel I can change languages, visually and instantaneously, through my work." Though his technique has evolved over the years, Sanda does give priority to it. "Any technique can be utilized if it is the best means to materialize ones imagination. However, I hope it will continue to change."
Sanda first discovered his love for art around the age of 7, in elementary school. "We had no TV back then, and I loved reading magazines. One children's magazine in particular had a foldout section that featured fantasy art, and I remember always looking forward to it. I would then draw something just like it. I also enjoyed drawing all over the pavement with chalks and soap stones, and I can still remember feeling happy and proud when a passersby said my pictures were good."
He has been an artist ever since.
Today he gives no special conscious effort in choosing personal subjects, and usually completes an "average" painting, from concept to final art, in about ten days. "I always try to take things in a natural state," he says, though his favorite subjects include ones "where I can let my imagination run higher, such as the future and space."
Though his work is universally recognized, Sanda shies away from the limelight when it comes to awards. "I personally do not like these types of contests, as I do not seek any commercial recognition for my work. In fact, the last
(and only time) I submitted something was in 1983, when a piece used as cover art for OMNI Magazine, Infringement of Privacy, was recognized by a Japanese society of writers and artists."When asked how he feels his work
compares with other Star Wars artists, Sanda says, "I do not try to compare my work
with other artists, as each has his or her own great style and technique."
A Star Wars fan since 1977, A New Hope, which he describes as "filled with dreams," continues to be "a part of my brain cells" even today. "The first few moments of each episode overwhelm me," Sanda says, "exploding in my head like brilliant fireworks." While he feels each of the main characters has their own, unique "individuality and attractiveness," he doesn't have any specific favorite subject, though lately he has taken a special interest in painting supporting characters.
Of the Star Wars paintings he has created, his personal favorites are the 20th Anniversary montage and Cantina Celebration. However, he also greatly admires the theatrical posters as well. "They are all my favorites," he says.
We at Echo Station encourage everyone to explore Mr. Sanda's artwork beyond Star Wars by visiting his website at www.planetsanda.com. For a collection of his vast array of Star Wars pieces, please enjoy our gallery: