forest. Artwork

koki ota. Born in Kyoto in 1989. Artist / Atelier & Cafe mu. / Based in Kyoto Exploring themes of Light and Hope through intricate and delicate sculptures and paintings. Since May 2023, I have been running the atelier and gallery 'atelier & cafe mu.' Background and Sources of Inspiration I grew up deep in the mountains of Yamaguchi Prefecture, surrounded by rich natural environments including mountains, rivers, and forests. This setting greatly nurtured my sensitivity and creativity. From an early age, I lived closely with nature, where playing in the natural world was a part of my daily life. Additionally, reading was one of my great pleasures. I devoured books from various genres, including adventure stories, fantasy novels, poetry collections, and philosophy, immersing myself in the worlds they portrayed and nurturing a rich imagination. What Inspired Me to Start Creating Art While I always loved drawing and making things as a child, as I grew older, I lost that joy and felt increasingly out of place in society. Overwhelmed by excessive work, I reached a point where I even considered ending my life. It was at that darkest moment that I decided, if I were to die, I might as well pursue what I loved with all my might. This shift from darkness to a quest for hope, like turning from black to white, became the foundation and driving force of my creative activities. Concept The most important aspect of my work is to provide a gentle light to those wandering in darkness, much like I once did, and to give them hope. Just as I have been saved by various works of art, I hope that through my work, people will experience a new light where past and present intersect, feeling nostalgia, tranquility, and the wonder of discovering new creativity within their hearts. My work's concept revolves around finding new light at the intersection of past and future, nature and civilization, and humanity and AI technology. Materials I use various materials in my works, including natural objects, old clock parts, and delicate paper. By incorporating materials that evoke the passage of time, such as wood, plants, and antique clock parts, I aim to discover new light where past and present intersect. Natural Objects Natural materials such as wood, flowers, and leaves play a crucial role in expressing the delicate beauty of nature in my work. My lifelong familiarity with nature draws me strongly to the charm of natural objects.