Kenji Kato 2016-10-20 05:04:52
EASY STYLE
TSUTOMU ENDO’S “INNER FOCUS”
THE JAPANESE ART OF “SHODO,” a millennia-old form of artistic expression based simply around painting words on a blank piece of white paper, has something in common with snowboarding. We draw a single line on a clean white canvas—our snowboards acting in place of an ink-dipped brush. While there are some basic techniques and theories for turns, a truly creative snowboarder, like a true Shodo master, follows no guidelines once art is in motion. The subtle pressure to edges, blasting fresh powder, flowing between trees and launching off lips can take infinite form and variations. We call this style. And style is not something you can teach or learn from somebody else. It comes from inside of you. Shodo works the same way. The way you run the brush is an innate expression of style.
Tsutomu Endo has cultivated his own style. It’s a Japanese aesthetic, inspired by ancient practices and expressed through snowboarding. He’s been capturing imagery of snowboarders ever since he grabbed a Canon EOS 5 in 1997, and is widely regarded as one of the true masters of snow photography in Japan. Now, two decades into his journey, he’s made a book to reflect upon a style all his own.
“Inner Focus” is more than a photobook. “Simply, I just want to show people how snowboarding enriches your life,” Endo says. “Of course, I’m hoping that all snowboarders get hyped when they look at it. But at the same time, I want to spread this message to people who have never been involved in our culture. That’s why I have had photo shows at business districts in Tokyo—to spread the message of snowboarding.”
His book is biographical in a sense. It shows how we live, what we love and what dwells inside Endo’s soul, which is addicted to fresh powder. The best moments aren’t always those of peak performance, but of peak vibes. Those moments when you are floating with your friends, making dinner with your family, skating with your kids, waking up in the morning to realize that the backyard is covered with snow. It’s travels from his home in Nagano, Japan, to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Temple Cummins is one of Endo’s favorite subjects, and Temple appreciates Endo’s style. “He is polite, respectful and brings a no-pressure approach to taking photos,” Temple says.
“With Endo it is not a production. He just captures snowboarders living and riding in the purest from possible.” With Endo, it’s easy. Why? Because snowboarding comes first. He’s not shooting to reach a certain look, create a certain ad campaign or curate a certain style. He’s a rider first and simply lets it flow. It’s pretty magic, really.
“Inner Focus” is a 204-page 9.9-inch by 9.9-inch limited-edition collectible, printed on recycled paper and published by SHOGAKUKAN in Japan. Check thesnowboardersjournal.com to get your own copy.
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