Kentaro Yamada is an artist who combines traditional materials with elements of media and uses his work to look at the relationship between art and life (his recent Hackney Sublime project was made up of smashed glass from the riots) as well as a space for reflection. Ahead of having his work put on display at the London Art Fair next week with the Hoxton Art Gallery Japanese artist Yamada sat down for a chat with Who’s Jack to tell us a bit more about himself…

WJ: Where do you live?

Hackney, London

WJ: Tell us about yourself?

I am a Japanese artist who grew up in New Zealand and was educated in the US and UK.

WJ: When did you first find out you had a talent?

When I went to art school. I realised I was able to combine many skills, knowledge, curiosity and the experiences that I had had in a positive way. It was a great eye opening moment to realise art can have such a close relationship to one’s life like no other.

WJ: What inspires you?

Travelling. Sitting in cafes at various corners of the world and writing down ideas.

WJ: What are the tools of your trade?

Digital technologies. This is becoming a forerunning  means of communication for artists.

WJ: How did you learn your craft?

In Japan. My mother was a Japanese tea ceremony Professor and my father taught Japanese pottery making. I think the modus operandi within these practices is inherent in my own work.

WJ: Do you have any notable fans?

My good friends and family.

WJ: Tell us a fact about you that no one knows?

I have a Computer Science degree.

WJ: What else do you have coming up in 2012? Any exhibitions/shows?

An exhibition at Hoxton Art Gallery later in the year, the Open West award exhibition in March and a group show at Fondation Vasarely in France.