"The ideas for my art start from the experiences and memories in my life, but from there, I like to add an element to the work of art and challenge the viewer to think about what is going on in the painting."
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s your name?Craig Mertens. Call me, Craig.
Where are you from? I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. U. S. A.
What do you do? I teach English at a university. Oh, yeah. I paint, too.
How long have you lived in Japan? Almost 18 years. One year in Niihama, Ehime and the rest in Osaka area.
Why did you come to Japan? In university, I heard that teaching English overseas is a good way to travel and make money. My original plan was to come to Japan for two years and go to Singapore or Europe. However at the end of my second year I had a decent paying job, a good group of friends, a nice place to live… the next thing I know it’s 2018. I am still here.
What do you like to do? I like to watch sports. I play golf and snowboard sometimes. I like to meet up with my friends for dinner and drinks. I like driving and seeing new places in Japan. I like taking pictures and uploading them on Instagram, watching movies or TV series, going to drawing classes, and listening to music and painting.