Artist’s Statement

I grew up in a modern Japanese society that is strongly influenced by the American culture (post-WW2). However, my works remain rooted in a traditional Japanese culture and I glean many of my inspirations from Japanese poetry/haiku. To me, a poet is one who perceives the universe in his own distinctive way and translates that worldview with his own artistic language into the written form. In fact, it transcends beyond the physical and a poet is able to express sentiments that could only be felt and not seen. In that, I believe that my works too, are a form of poetry that is formulated out of my own artistic language.

My works are borne out of a quiet, meditative spirit. I would liken my works to a process of fermentation – where a poet brews a word, I brew a shape. A concept crystallizes in my mind and undergoes fermentation until it is ready to take shape in clay. Every piece of work is made from scratch and I do not rely on molds.

I hope that they can tell meaningful stories that will resonate with people and offer them a fresh perspective.