The Lavish NAIL-ART of TOMOYA NAKAGAWA
Computer sculpted phallic pieces, glitter encrusted grills and a penchant for flaming spikes; the nail art of TOMOYA NAKAGAWA is a breath of fresh air in the artistic community. His energetic creations are a testament that “more” is in fact sometimes “more” and being bold and dreaming big, without restraint is a beauty to behold.
Born in Tokyo, Japan and spending a period of time working as a fisherman, it was the advent of COVID—forced lockdowns that inspired the artist to pick up the craft of designing nail art and since then he hasn’t slowed down for a second, creating fabulous sets for stars in both Japan and New York.
Now based in Los Angeles, Nakagawa has begun to diversify his artistic endeavours into clothing and facial accessories. Yet his connection to nature and his roots tied to the serenity of oceanic life has nestled into his mindset, taking permanent residence.
We took the time to get to know this prodigious talent, learning about the creative process and the celebrities alive and dead, most deserving to wear his nail creations. We’re sure you’ll want to be decorating your own fingers with some blood-red claws after checking him out.
1. ネイルアートへの情熱のきっかけを教えてください。
How did your journey into nail art begin?
私の彼がネイリストなのですが、コロナ禍になった時に自宅から出れず暇だったので彼からネイ ルを教わりました。 最初は気楽に作っていましたがいつの間にか最高の趣味であり仕事になりました。
My boyfriend is a nail artist and when coronavirus happened and we couldn’t leave the house, he taught me how to do nails. At first, I took it easy, but before long it became my favourite hobby and eventually my job.
2. 子どもの頃から、クリエイティブな性格だったと思いますか?
As a child, did you always have a creative personality or is this something that developed more recently?
はい、絵を描いたり何か作ったりするのは好きでした。だけど好きだったくらいでクリエイティ
とはかけ離れてます笑。Yes, I loved to draw and make things. But I was far from a creative person, I just liked doing it.
3. ネイルアートのクリエイティブプロセスはどのようなものですか?
How do you come up with the inspirations for your designs; could you tell us a little bit about your creative process?
最近はスケッチ、CADデザイン、3Dプリント、エアブラシの流れが多いです。
These days, my process includes sketching, CAD design, 3D printing and airbrushing.
4. パーソナルスタイルを3つの言葉で表現するとしたら、どのような表現になりますか?
If you had to describe your personal style in three words, how would you describe yourself?
自然、旅、愛。
Nature, Travel, Love
5. なぜ、ネイルアートにこだわることになったのですか?
How did you end up focusing on nail prosthetic designs?
楽しいから!進化を実感できるから。Because it’s fun! You can feel a sense of development.
6. 昆虫やイカ下足、スライムなど、自然界からの影響が感じられますね。デザインする上で、自 然界は大切ですか?
Insects, tentacles, slime; there seems to be a natural element to your work. What role does nature play in your designs?
とても大切です。自然の造形は基本です。
It’s really important. The forms of nature are fundamental.
7. ロサンゼルスに移り住んで、ロサンゼルスのクリエイティブ・コミュニティから学んだことは 何ですか?
You’ve moved to LA; what have you learned from the creative community in this new environment?
多様なカルチャーと愛!みんなとても優しい!
Los Angeles has such a diverse culture, full of love. Everyone is so kind!
8. 過去、現在、未来の誰にネイルアートをデザインできるとしたら、誰を選びますか?
After working with people like Aya Gloomy and Kiko Mizuhara, if you could design the nails for anyone; past, present or future, who would you choose?
過去:パブロピカソ、サルバドールダリ、ジョアンミロ 現在:カーディB.リアーナ.デニスロッドマン 未来:宇宙人笑
Past: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miró. Present: Cardi B, Rihanna and Dennis Rodman. Future: An Alien lol!
9. 現在、ファッションで注目しているトレンドはありますか?
Are there any trends in fashion that you are really excited about currently?
昔のoakley!最高過ぎてたくさん集めてる。
Vintage Oakleys! They are so good. I collect a lot of them.
10. 今後のプロジェクトについて教えてください。
How about future projects/collaborations, is there anything exciting for us at GATA to look forward to?
ネイルはもちろん、フェイスパーツも最近は作り始めたし、ドレスやコスチュームも作ってみたいと思う。
As well as nails, I’ve recently started making parts for faces, and also I’d like to make dresses and costumes.
11. GATA誌は映画が大好きです。オススメの映画があれば教えてください。
Film is one of our favourite forms of art here at GATA, do you have any movies that you would like to recommend to us?
「男はつらいよ」!
Otoko wa Tsurai yo!