Kenichiro Goto lives his life to the fullest. A man of few words, he confesses that his English isn’t great, but it really doesn’t prohibit his ability to articulate at all. Sharp, intelligent and obviously creative, the Japanese-born, San Francisco-based photographer recently took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss involving his beloved friends in as much of his art as possible, numerous international opportunities, which constantly keeps him on his toes, and a desire to lose weight, purely to improve his range of motion on a skateboard…
Ken, how would you describe yourself?
I am still a fat kid, who loves to skateboard.
Growing up, who or what was your main artistic influence?
I didn’t really have any artistic influences other than skateboarding, and the slick moves of Diego Maradona.
What got you into photography?
Shortly after moving to San Francisco from Japan in ’97, my dad sent me a compact camera to take photos of my surroundings for sending back to my mom, so that was an initial start. The decisive factor in making me become a photographer took place after meeting Joe Brooke, who at the time, was a photo student at the same community school I was going to – he is now a staff photographer at Thrasher mag.
What is your own favourite piece of art?
I don’t really consider my pieces as art or myself as an artist. However, if talking about some other people’s art, I like seeing all sorts of things, both original and personal…
When in work mode, do you follow any rituals?
Communication is an essential tool as a photographer, but not really a ritual – I just try to be as open minded as possible when shooting.
What was the first camera you owned? How many do you own now?
An Olympus compact camera (the one my dad gave me). Now, I have so many.
Can you run us through the thought process of your latest exhibition Extended Vacation? What were you aiming to achieve from this display?
I was approached by Cassell Gallery in San Fran to do a solo show, and I decided to name the show Extended Vacation since I felt like my life constantly resembles one. Along the way, and in preparation the show, I wanted to showcase my life through different pictures, but I have so many great friends that I wanted to involve. Although it was my own solo show, I wanted to include people, whom I admire and respect, or have worked with in my other shows, so for Extended Vacation, I had ten of my photographs painted by my friends, along with an additional ten of my original photographs. However, for the Tokyo exhibition, I wanted all of my photos painted by different artists, which meant all ten of my original photographs were painted over by my favourite Japanese artists.
Was it difficult working with a large number of artists for this exhibition? I can only imagine that the logistics would’ve caused you a few headaches. How long did it take you to collect all of the different pieces for the exhibition?
It really wasn’t that bad all. All we had to do was go over which photo each artist wanted to paint, send it out and get it back!
You have had the opportunity to showcase you work both at home and internationally. Do you ever find yourself surprised at your own achievements?
Yes and no, anything is possible if you are determined, and this show is still going places, next stop Hawaii!
Where is your favourite place to photograph? What separates this location from the rest?
I suppose anywhere new; and it is separate from the rest because it’s new.
Can you provide us with a verbal description of your studio? What sort of a space do you work in?
My studio is a whole world! Haha. My actual studio is quite big, I share the space with a couple of friends, who paint and make stuff. I have my own shooting area and computer station. Nothing special, it’s just a photo studio.
Would you consider yourself camera shy?
No, I know I’m beautiful.
What are your thoughts on the growing use of social media platforms such as Instagram? Do you use such apps?
Instabrag, Instafag. Don’t we all love that thing? @datgoto – find me.
Do you ever use your heritage or background as motivation for your work?
Yes and no. I have Japanese pride, but that has nothing to do with my work.
Have you had a chance to visit many other exhibitions this year? What has been a highlight for you?
QP at the LAST gallery in Tokyo during March. Mind blowing. Also, Gustav Klimt in Roma was good too.
What are your plans for the near future? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Working on my life, trying to lose some weight so I can skate better, I’m going to LA in two days to take photos of Bones Brigades. I also have a calendar project that will take me to Hawaii in September, and another trip back to Japan in October for some work. Life is good.
See more of Kenichiro Goto and his work at: