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Multifaceted artist, graphic novel fan and family man Luke Satoru shares his meaning behind our cover illustration
Artwork for Koktail Magazine Issue 2 by Luke Satoru
Q: How does the cover you’ve designed for us represent ikigai to you?
A: The etymology of ikigai is “life” + “worth”. It’s the aspect of living that keeps us present and engaged in what’s happening in our day-to-day. Amidst the pandemic, family is my personal ikigai. The act of creating as a testament to my family’s past, present and future is what I strive for.
Q: Walk us through the elements of the piece.
A: Being of mixed heritage—Thai and Japanese—but born and raised in the United States, I wanted to create a portrait of my immediate family. The pandemic has kept us apart, and I’ve been missing them quite a bit. My Japanese mother is the core of our family, and my Thai father is the provider and builder. They both started from very humble beginnings but have built an amazing life, living the American dream that many immigrants who make such a move long to achieve. The brush, pen, lotus and architectural forms are artefacts of their struggle and success. The tigers represent their four children, of which I’m the eldest. They are the foundation from which we continue to grow.
Q: Can you give us a bit of background on your style? What are your influences? What do you love to draw?
A: As a youth, American comic books and Japanese manga were major influences. The technical aspects of those days still inform what I do today, but the content nowadays focuses on my heritage. I’m taking time to study the symbology in Thai and Japanese motifs to interpret my experience. Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges with being different and was the subject of bullying. It took some time for me to see it not as a handicap but as a strength.
I’m in a constant pursuit to push my skills so the content can vary. Ultimately, I’d like for my work to connect and resonate with an audience.
Q: What are you looking forward to in 2022?
A: Travelling with my wife and kids, and catching up with our loved ones abroad. If possible, I’d also like to paint and tattoo outside of Thailand.
Q: Where can our readers find you?
A: I tattoo out of Black Pig Tattoo (IG: @black_pig_tattoo) located in Tha Tian, right by Wat Pho and the flower market. You can keep up with my activities via Instagram @luke_satoru and contact me at lukesatoru.art@gmail.com.
