While I was at Sony Kando in Oregon in 2019, I had the opportunity to speak with Brian Smith the celebrity and portrait photographer. I mentioned this rising dissatisfaction with my portrait work, and I was not sure how to improve, to progress. He suggested building a body of work examining artists since they can be endless founts for inspiration. It was therefore fortuitous that I got to meet Mami Ishibash, painter, songwriter, fellow artist, and now friend at around the same time. I was surprised how much we connected and learned from one another, even though our artistic expression took different forms.
As a portrait photographer, you inevitably become a study of faces and expression. I chanced on Mami’s profile on Instagram and was intrigued by how she could be accomplished both as a painter and musician. Mami’s gaze in her images is both gentle and intense at once. She seemed open and curious. I wanted to take her portrait and messaged her. I never expected that we’d become fast friends that she would sit for her portrait by me many times over the coming 1+ years over coffee, sushi, and yakitori.
I’ve come to realize that Mami’s art really is an extension of who she is. Her paintings are at first blush minimalistic and simple. They can be intriguing swathes of paint on canvas with pleasing texture and harmonious colors. Closer examination reveals the complexity in the subtle details. The blend and gradation of colors is somehow both effortless and yet masterful. I recall gazing at some of her images for minutes and wondered how she created them. Did she see the final image and pull it out of the canvas? Or did she follow chaotic but ordered inspiration? She confided that her personal style is effortless simplicity. Having followed Steve Jobs and Apple’s rise (who hasn’t?), I came to the realization that simplification and simplicity can only possible when you understand complexity to the very highest degree. I had Mami make a painting from a blank canvas in one of our shoots and it was fascinating watching her work (see the images below). Mami later marveled at seeing herself creating and made me wonder how I look to other people when I’m engrossed in making a portrait.
Mami’s music is also sublime. The first quality that came to mind when we had coffee was that she had a lithe grace about her. And next, that she has a very unique voice. Her accent is a medley of Japanese that I have learned to parse from years working in Dentsu (and watching anime as a teenager) and American. The lilt of her voice is lively and melodious, and her inflection is infectious when she gets excited. All this really comes across in her music — in her acoustic covers and especially so in her original songs.
It’s been a privilege to learn from her and to document her recent development as an artist and individual.
Mami recently painted a mottled and dappled photography backdrop for me as a gift. It is a masterpiece. I can’t believe this is only her first time painting one (but of course, she is an accomplished painter). I accepted it only on the condition that she be my first subject against the backdrop. It seemed an opportune time to look back and put all my images of her together in a short article. This post is a tribute to my friend and a peek into her enigmatic personality.
A quick snap of Mami in July 2019 when I first met Mami Ishibashi for coffee at Glass House in Chijmes. While Mami wears a pair of overalls like a minion with a guitar sling over her shoulder, she strikes me as effortlessly elegant and completely comfortable in her own skin.
How did your journey start and progress for each of your art forms?
“I started music professionally when I got scouted by my then-manager while I was singing at a friend's wedding reception in Japan. Art started just out of the urge one day of spreading out and playing with colors and along the way, I slowly started discovering my style. I have an extremely skilled painter for a mother and so painting has always been a sacred area for me. I did not have the courage to get my hands on it until fairly recently.”
Who are your major inspirations for each?
“I had to think about this for quite a while because I'm the type of person who finds inspiration pretty much everywhere and everyone. But the conclusion I came to regarding who really made me who I am today at the very core is — my mother. I can say that she is my ultimate inspiration. Always have been, and will always be. She used to take me to the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway musicals, and various concerts every week in New York. She had me listen to music and various radio stations during every carpool. She has so much knowledge in all different genres of music (including French, Spanish, and other world music), she is an amazing painter who has won prizes at prestigious art competitions in Japan. Through this all, she has always so humble, so open (she has no bias or prejudice for ANYTHING), and always learning new things by staying curious. This attitude of her towards art, music, and even life itself, is my true inspiration.”
You are a musician and also, a painter. How do these two arts relate to, differ from and reinforce one another?
“To me, music and art are two different worlds completely connected to one another. When I feel stuck with my artwork, music is my escape. And when I feel stuck with music, art (painting, in this case) is what brings me back on track. Sometimes, it is music that gives me the inspiration to paint something, and sometimes, the other way around. Music is probably more of my core since it’s something I’ve always felt very close to since a very young age. My painting came in along the way to support and enhance my roots. In any case, they are both a big BIG part of me today.”
Do you convey the same emotions and thoughts through each medium?
“Yes, I do. But in music, because there are lyrics (a.k.a “words”) involved, I am more descriptive while in paint, I am more “abstract” (or “implicative”) about the emotions I want to express.”
How does a song start and develop for you?
“A song starts when I feel strong feelings for something and when I find that words are not enough, I feel an irresistible urge to turn my feelings into a song or an art piece.”
You are multi-lingual and speak English, Japanese, French (and learning more languages still) -- do you compose in one language and translate, or do you compose in each language natively?
“When I compose a song, I don’t want any of it to sound robotic or unnatural so I try to think in the language I intend to write the song in.”
How would you describe your sense of aesthetic, and your taste in music?
“Simple and straightforward, but never blunt. Clear but subtle.”
Mami chatting with makeup artist Airin Lee from Arly.co at Apartment Coffee and BTS of the makeup process at The Hive Lavender, Singapore. It’s great to work with a great team including Airin and Coby Travis (photography assistant), especially when they connect so strongly with your subject.
When Mami paints, she is completely consumed by the process. While she is careful and deliberate, there is a certain chaotic energy about her as she walks around and contorts herself gracefully like an acrobat. Mami surveys the field like a general from different vantage points in stillness and mentation until she makes a decision, and she is then suddenly kinetic as she moves to capture whatever insight she has captured.
Mami takes a moment to unwind and plays one of her original songs while she waits for her painting to dry in the studio. It’s quite something to hear Mami sing.
Do you have a routine?
“I’m not a hardcore workout person, but since I feel that core strength is essential, I make sure I get at least some minimal core workout in (something that I’ve been continuing for a long time). Other than that, I journal in the morning to sort out my inner thoughts before I start my day.”
Please describe your most vivid and accomplished moments as an artist.
“For this question, I would never forget and would always think of the moment where my wonderful friend Aude, before I even intended to showcase my artworks to the public, suggested that I do an exhibition at the cafe/bar she manages (Cafe Gavroche on 69 Tras Steet Singapore ). My official journey as a painter all started there (thank you, Aude, if you’re reading this).”
What are your plans to grow as an artist in the next 2 years?
“I would like to exhibit my artwork in one of my favorite cities, Paris, sometime in the next two years. I would also to do something fun and official in the music industry in my home country, Japan.”
Would you be able to share a few profound realizations about how your art (or art in general)?
“Art can be so very raw for me. Displaying my art is akin to exposing my inner self to the point where I sometimes feel that almost naked in front of the viewing audience. It can make you feel vulnerable. And yet, I still create art. I obey the call that comes out of a strong, primal urge within me that demands fulfillment which is why to me creating art sometimes reminds me of masturbation.”
Waiting in anticipation for omakase sushi while sipping sake at Aoki in Orchard Road.
How does your family contribute to your art? Are your children your supports or critics?
“In terms of inspiration for my artworks, this usually comes forth from my own solitary world and mind. But one thing for sure is that this whole journey would never be possible if it weren’t for my family’s support. So in that sense, they are the biggest physical supporters, contributors, and enablers for me to create, whether it be music or art.”
I’m so grateful and in awe you created a painted backdrop for me. What was your experience making it?
“Nerve-racking and exciting at the same time!”
Check out Mami Ishibashi on Youtube, Spotify and Instagram
As Mami and I discussed over pinot grigio once, photography can fall short in conveying some things like sound. You really do want to check out Mami’s singing:
Do also follow her Instagram accounts: