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Art for purpose
12 Oct 2021
“Ikigai, in Japanese means having a purpose, a reason for being. My Ikigai is to 'make a difference'.” Jun Sawa.
Jun Sawa has been a photographer for over 20 years.
Each year, ANZ hosts Kaleidoscope - a charity art exhibition and auction run by ANZ staff for ANZ staff - with contributing artists from over seven countries and all divisions of the organisation.
Established in 2007, Kaleidoscope provides a platform for ANZ staff and family to explore their creative side and donate their artwork to be sold in an annual auction where all proceeds go to support a charity of choice.
The auction will be moving online this year, with artists across the ANZ network once again donating their beautifully created artwork to this great cause. All proceeds raised from the sale of artwork will be donated to social enterprise, STREAT.
Artist and Kaleidoscope contributor, Jun Sawa shares his approach, passion and inspiration of his artwork.
Tracy Hsu: When did you first participate in Kaleidoscope?
Jun Sawa: I've known about Kaleidoscope for quite some time and if my terrible memory serves me correctly, I first participated 5 years ago in 2017 with a sunset image of ANZ HQ, Docklands.
Participating in Kaleidoscope not only allows me to express my creativity as an artist but more importantly I feel like I can help to make a difference, supporting our community - especially for a charity such as ‘STREAT’, who provide a strong contribution to the wider community.
A social enterprise for good
STREAT is a social enterprise that provides homeless and disadvantaged young people with the life skills, training and work experience they require to take a step closer to achieving some of their personal goals.
Tracy Hsu: How long have you been doing photography for?
Jun Sawa: I've been a photographer for over 20 years. I first started out shooting modified cars for car magazines both locally and abroad. Over a 12-13-year period I photographed around 1,300 cars.
Nowadays I mainly shoot corporate and advertising but have a love for nature, so this year I've focussed on landscape & nature photography.
Tracy Hsu: How would you describe your approach to art?
Jun Sawa: I like to capture detail within a scene. With landscape photography, I take my time. I could visit a place on multiple occasions and each time it will have a different atmosphere.
I am technical in my approach and often find shooting multiple images (stitched panoramas) to create a massive file so that it gives me the ability to print big.
Sunset over ANZ HQ, Docklands. Image by Jun Sawa (2017).
Tracy Hsu: Are you contributing in Kaleidoscope this year? If yes, can you describe the artwork you will be donating this year.
Jun Sawa: This year I am donating a metal print which was made by a process called dye sublimation.
Dye sublimation infuses the image directly into the hard coating to provide lasting durability and protection. It also gives the most incredible glossy finish.
The image itself was photographed in a small town called Minokamo in the Gifu Prefecture, Japan. I used a long exposure to get the look of the water, and the sunset was just perfect!
Minokamo. Image by Jun Sawa (2021).
Tracy Hsu: Who or what inspires you?
Jun Sawa: My late father will always be an inspiration as he was also a photographer.
I'm inspired to continue to self-learn with photography. Even though videography is something I have done more of due to the demand in motion video, photography is my passion and getting out to nature is one of my favourite things to do.
Tracy Hsu: Have you been able to do more art during the pandemic?
Jun Sawa: I haven't been shooting as much during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, I purchased an A2 pro printer earlier this year and have been printing non-stop.
I made it a thing to print at least one photo per week, but I've far exceeded that and have been printing not only my own photos but also for other aspiring photographers.
I only print on RAG Fine-Art museum paper now and it's simply another world. There is no comparison.
Tracy Hsu: What is one motto you live by?
Jun Sawa: Ikigai, in Japanese means having a purpose, reason to live and/or reason for being. My Ikigai is to 'make a difference'.
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