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Shingo Saotome
International Wildlife Artist
Okayama, Japan
Shingo Saotome, one of very few Japanese wildlife artists, is
self taught. In 1993, Shingo began expressing his love for wildlife
through his paintings, first using Sumie-ink, then model paints, until
he found his love for acrylic paint. Accomplished Japanese wildlife
artist Joh Naito recognized Shingo’s passion and talent during a gallery
exhibit in Tokyo Japan, and soon after became Shingo’s mentor.
Realizing the emotions his artwork evoked during gallery
exhibitions in the prestigious Ginza District of Tokyo, Shingo was
further inspired to express the importance of love and peace through his
wildlife paintings.
During Shingo's first year as a wildlife artist, he received
several national recognitions and awards. Shingo's first significant
achievement was winning the sought after "Arch Award“ (People’s Choice
for the favorite painting at the Art Collection House Exhibition in the
Ginza District Tokyo, Japan). Shingo’s art is also recognized in the
Art Almanac. Admiration and demand for Shingo's art has grown
continuously since he began, through a following of dedicated
collectors, supporters, and fans from around the world.
Collectors of Shingo’s paintings include professional
athletes including titled Olympic wrestler Kyoko Hamaguchi, and
Pittsburgh Pirates baseball player Einar Diaz. In addition to Shingo's
artistic endeavors, he is also an active professional ice skating coach
for woman and children in Japan, and a certified scuba diver. Shingo is
an avid Olympic fan and attends many events. True to Shingo's character,
both in arts and sports, he is steadfastly dedicated to inspire others
to excel to the highest levels of their personal goals.
During the 2006
winter holiday season, Shingo was visiting Sarasota, Florida and
attended a Sailor Circus performance, also known as “The Greatest Little
Show on Earth.”
Shingo was overwhelmed by the children’s passion, and dedication of
parents and volunteers, who work tirelessly to assist the children in
their endeavors. This experience intrigued Shingo and served as a
powerful inspiration for him to paint Sailor Circus children performing
their talents and working to their limits.
Upon returning to Japan, Shingo immediately went to work to
create seven paintings of Sailor Circus performers. Working day and
night, the set of original paintings (valued in excess of $40,000) were
completed and will be contributed to Sarasota Sailor Circus in March
2007.
Shingo’s Sailor Circus paintings will become part of the new
Sailor Circus Museum, to be constructed as part of the Police Athletic
League’s three phase Sailor Circus capital building campaign. Prints
are being created from original paintings and will be available for
purchase by those who desire to display, images of children
accomplishing their dreams as members of the internationally known
“Sarasota Sailor Circus”.
Every brush stroke, within every painting created by Shingo,
expresses Shingo's admiration and love for nature, wildlife, and now
children.
Shingo’s Wildlife Art websites can be enjoyed at
http://ShingoSaotome.com
(English) and
http://homepage2.nifty.com/lunch-box/saotome/index.html (Japanese).
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PAL Sailor
Circus
