An Artist’s Path That Began with a Single Piece of Software—An Interview with Cream Ecoes, Part 2

Continuing from Part 1, we bring you the second half of our interview with Cream Ecoes. By exploring how he spends his time away from creating and what he’s been into lately, we’ll get closer to his values and personal charm.

His Roots are… in the Fridge? The True Face of Cream Ecoes

This might be a bit late to ask, but what’s the story behind the name Cream Ecoes?

Cream Ecoes – I get asked that a lot, but honestly, there’s no meaning behind it at all (laughs). When I decided to become an artist, I knew I didn’t want to use my real name. I was looking at the stickers on my fridge at home, and the words “Cream” and “Echoes” caught my eye, so I just went with that. People often misspell it, but I’ve been Cream Ecoes ever since.

That’s the same origin story as Detective Conan!  But somehow, it seems to fit your vibe.

C – Thank you. But I’ve actually thought about changing my name many times. I just keep missing the right timing… I’m always brainstorming. I admire more “artist-y” sounding names.

How do you usually spend your time at home?

C – I’m usually working on my art, but I take breaks for a cigarette or to make a café au lait. Since this is an interview, I made black coffee today. I wanted to look cool (laughs). I live with my partner, and we take turns cooking. I used to work part-time at an izakaya when I was in high school, and my specialty is the dashimaki tamago they taught me how to make there.

Do you have a memorable flavor from your past?

C – A while ago, my partner and I went to a small hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture for my birthday. We went into this eel restaurant, and their unagi no kabayaki  was unbelievably delicious. I’ll never forget that.

I imagine you travel to a lot of different places for solo shows. Do you have any places you particularly liked?

C – I loved Kuroiso in Tochigi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. I like the vibe of the towns themselves, but it was really because the exhibitions held in those places were so much fun. Kuroiso is a compact town, and I liked the feeling of all the shops being clustered together. The show there was at a record shop called Rokuyu, so I exhibited pieces that were the size of vinyl records. In Shizuoka, my friends and I drank late into the night at an izakaya after the show ended. The atmosphere of the place was amazing and the food was delicious, so it’s a favorite of mine.

The Bass Guitar I Bought, Ready to Be Disowned, and Urban Legends

Is there a “treasure” that you’ve always cherished?

C – I think it would be the bass guitar I’ve had since I was a student. It was my first big purchase. I took out a loan to buy a pretty nice bass. My parents told me, “If you’re taking out a loan, we’re disowning you!” (laughs). I hardly play it anymore, and there were many times when I was short on cash and thought about selling it. But I’m glad I held onto it.

 What was your band like?

C – I’ve been in two bands so far, and we played city pop, kayoukyoku, R&B, and soul. I’ve been through a fair number of genres. I listen to a lot of ’90s R&B like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, and I always find myself focusing on the bass line.

What have you been into lately?

C – I’m reading Osamu Tezuka’s “Hi no Tori”, which a friend who saw my exhibition recommended. I’ve never really been a big manga reader, but it’s incredibly interesting. I also subscribed to ABEMA TV and have gotten hooked on a show called “Naokiman’s Urban Legend Wide Show.” It covers everything from powerful figures at shrines, to spies, the dark side of the entertainment industry, the end of the world… I watch it for fun, but once you start, you can’t stop (laughs).

With the recent House of Councillors election and other social issues, we’ve seen more artists banding together to speak out. How do you, as an artist, want to relate to society?

C – I like what some people are doing, like designers who create slogans, but I haven’t participated in that kind of thing myself yet. I try not to think about it too deeply; it’s hard to figure out what the right distance is. But I do have a vague anxiety about the future. Like, where will we be in 20 or 30 years? I was job hunting when I was about to graduate from university, and I received a job offer, but I turned it down because it just didn’t feel right. I still feel bad about it, but in a way, that experience motivated me to get even more serious about my path.

An Artist’s Path That Began with a Single Piece of Software

Is there anything new you’d like to try in the future?

C – I’d like to try making 3D works or animation. Also, I’ve never included people or animals in my work before. I’m interested in new motifs.

Do you have a message for aspiring artists?

C – I’d just say, “Try something, anything.” My own career as an artist started just because I happened to have downloaded Illustrator. There are so many things you won’t understand until you actually try. It can be tough, but there are a lot of fun things, too. The time you spend facing your work alone can be a bit lonely, though (laughs).

Our interview with Cream Ecoes ended in the same relaxed mood it began with. What he sees with his eyes is converted through his filter into all sorts of new substances. Perhaps that comfortable sense of dissonance is the entrance to a utopia left behind in this chaotic world.

Cream Ecoes is currently holding a solo exhibition at soil taipei in Taiwan.
Following that, he is planning another show in Shizuoka, offering audiences both in and outside Japan the chance to experience his unique world.
Be sure to stop by and check out his latest creative challenges.