Interview about Echoes Sculpture, winner of the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award 2019
The concept of "Echoes" comes from the image of the bounce of water droplets from the other side. It made of stainless steel and glass, after polishing the surface, will show the same characteristics as water. Sometimes you will find clouds in the sky flowing on it.In addition to being a artwork, it considers ergonomics in the planning of dimensions, allowing people to interact with Echoes at close range. At night, the lights hidden in the stainless steel water droplets, "Echoes" seems to have become a luminous body floating in the air.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWater exists in nature in various forms such as liquid, solid, and gas, and it is one of the most vital elements for nourishing all living things. If I were to interpret water through specific materials, I believe that mirrored stainless steel and glass best capture the essence of water. The key lies in how to encapsulate the moment when water falls and rebounds into a concrete image, and then use the properties of these materials to convey the spiritual imagery of water. Additionally, these two materials are capable of reflecting the texture of water beautifully in natural light, enhancing the visual effect and depth of the work.Selecting mirrored stainless steel is due to its reflective properties, which naturally resonate with the fluidity and reflective nature of water. The smooth surface of stainless steel, like a water surface, can capture and reflect surrounding light, creating a visual experience that changes with the environment. This feature allows the work to display a diverse range of expressions under different lighting conditions, symbolizing the changeable and lively nature of water.Glass, with its transparency and refractive qualities, conveys the purity and depth of water. When influenced by light, glass can produce a sparkling effect, reminiscent of water droplets shimmering in the sunlight. This texture not only imparts a sense of lightness and transparency to the work but also imbues it with an inner liveliness and vitality.Through the skillful combination of these two materials, I hope to capture and present the beauty and poetry of water in its dynamic moment, allowing viewers to feel the vitality and spiritual imagery of water when engaging with the work.
Due to the suspended, outward-expanding form of the artwork, coupled with its inherent structural support, I endeavored to scale the piece to a size that allows for human interaction. This amplification enhances opportunities for the public to engage closely with the artwork. Such a design not only increases accessibility but also offers viewers an immersive experience, allowing them to truly feel the integration of art and life. By enlarging the sculpture, I aim to create a public art space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, enabling more individuals to interact with and understand the underlying concepts and spirit of the work.
During the day, my artwork "Resonance" seamlessly integrates with the natural environment through the reflective and transparent qualities of stainless steel and crystal glass. However, at night, I aim to reveal the mysterious transparency of the crystal through hidden light sources within the sculpture, allowing the artwork to present a different allure.This design concept is inspired by my deep understanding of nature and light. Daylight allows the stainless steel and crystal glass to reflect dazzling brilliance, symbolizing the vitality and dynamism of life. At night, the hidden light source imbues the artwork with a serene and mysterious atmosphere, akin to an inner light of the soul, evoking tranquility and contemplation in the viewer. This transformation not only enables the piece to exhibit multi-layered beauty at different times of the day but also enhances its interactivity and emotional connection with the audience.
Nature provides me with endless inspiration and often imparts profound life philosophies. The imagery of a water droplet falling and rebounding encapsulates the highs and lows of life, yet regardless of the circumstances, we must face life with positivity and live it to the fullest. I am dedicated to capturing the dynamic beauty of the moment when a water droplet falls and rebounds. After countless adjustments to the proportional heights of the droplets, I have ensured that the overall visual impression remains vibrant and harmonious.
The sculpture "Echoes" exemplifies a delicate balance between abstract concepts and physical form. Transforming my spiritual vision into tangible materials has been a journey filled with exploration and creativity.Firstly, my inspiration comes from the harmony found in nature and the deep emotional resonance within the human spirit. Through this piece, I aim to express a dynamic equilibrium, symbolizing the balance between life's fluctuations and stability.In selecting materials, I chose stainless steel and crystal glass. The reflective qualities of stainless steel allow the piece to interact with environmental light during the day, creating a dazzling effect. In contrast, the transparency and refraction of crystal glass evoke a sense of mystery. These materials work together to display a multi-layered visual effect as the light changes.During the creation process, I meticulously adjusted the proportions and forms countless times to ensure every detail precisely conveyed my intended concept. The design of the water droplets was carefully refined to capture the dynamic beauty of the moment when a droplet falls and rebounds, allowing viewers to experience this vivid scene.Moreover, the hidden light source design for nighttime was an integral part of this journey. By carefully arranging the lighting, the crystal glass emits a soft and mysterious glow at night, enhancing the sculpture's dimensionality and depth, and imbuing it with a serene and profound atmosphere.Ultimately, this piece is not merely a sculpture, but an emotional vessel. I hope "Echoes" resonates with viewers, enabling them to experience the subtle balance and harmony between motion and stillness, light and shadow, as they appreciate the work.
The mirrored surface of the "Echoes" sculpture creates an ever-changing dialogue with the clouds and sky, a dynamic interaction that is integral to conveying my artistic message about the connection between humans and nature.Firstly, the reflective properties of the stainless steel enable the sculpture to capture and mirror the surrounding natural environment, particularly the shifting skies and clouds. This dynamic reflection not only enhances the visual richness of the piece but also symbolizes the interplay and connection between humanity and nature.The sculpture's surface changes with the weather, light, and time, ensuring that each interaction with the artwork offers a unique experience for viewers. This design concept aims to emphasize the constant flux in nature and the diversity of life, prompting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world.
I have always maintained a deep curiosity about materials and am passionate about exploring their techniques and processes. To me, materials form the critical foundation of my creations, enriching the depth and meaning of my work. The differing fabrication techniques of stainless steel and glass added an intrinsic challenge to this piece.The internal structure of the stainless steel frame is assembled using precision laser-cutting, ensuring meticulous accuracy. On the other hand, the glass is formed through a high-temperature kiln process, during which it shrinks and takes on a rough, frosted appearance. It then requires careful polishing to reveal the true texture of the crystal glass. This process introduces numerous variables, leading to discrepancies where the stainless steel and glass meet.In practice, I faced three failures before successfully achieving a seamless integration of the stainless steel and glass components. This journey provided invaluable experience, deepening my understanding of the intricate relationship between different materials and their potential in artistic creation.I firmly believe that these delicate craftsmanship details and rigorous fabrication processes not only enhance the work's texture and aesthetics but also imbue it with profound emotional resonance. Through these efforts, I hope viewers can sense the stories and emotions embedded in the materials, appreciating every detail and effort within the artistic creation.
The Tokiwa Museum in Ube boasts expansive gardens, lakes, and green spaces, making it a truly beautiful place. The UBE Biennale is the world's oldest sculpture biennale and one of Japan's most significant international sculpture competitions. Through this competition, Yamaguchi Prefecture's Ube City has accumulated a remarkable collection of sculptures, placing them in various corners of the city, transforming it into an open-air sculpture museum. This allows both local residents and visitors to unexpectedly encounter and appreciate contemporary sculptures from different periods by various artists. I am honored that my work, "Resonance," is among them.
I'm glad you noticed this aspect, which I have gradually come to understand over the past few years. Artworks are often reflections of one's values and attitudes toward life. Everything has two sides; the outward appearance and the intrinsic nature are fundamentally different, yet their combination represents reality. Just like each day encompasses both day and night, embodying the concept of Yin and Yang. This piece simultaneously presents the dynamic droplets on the water's surface and the stable foundation below, highlighting their interactive relationship.This design philosophy stems from a deep contemplation of the harmony between Yin and Yang. The ripples caused by droplets on the water's surface symbolize life's fluctuations and dynamics, while the solid foundation beneath represents stability and inner strength. This interaction not only demonstrates the balance found in nature but also reflects the essence of life. Through this design, I hope viewers can appreciate the beauty of this dynamic equilibrium and draw strength and wisdom from it.
Public art has the power to convey the spirit of a place, allowing those who interact with the artworks to feel the essence being communicated, fostering a sense of positivity and hope for the future. Through the atmosphere created by these artworks within the environment, I hope to encourage the public to pay more attention to, cherish, and protect the beautiful aspects of their living surroundings, while also understanding the intrinsic value and significance of public art.
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