Multimedia artist
From Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
Based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Mike is a Canadian Japanese multimedia artist, whose body of work is dominated by wood crafts and wood sculptures. In keeping with the ancient Japanese tradition of woodworking, Mike uses wood to inquire the "truth" about life and nature, resulting in abstract, organic-shaped objects that flow with life
A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?
M: I always loved to draw and make art growing up. Design school made me realize I was more interested in Visual Arts than Design, even though I still have a passion for Design. I wanted to work more with my hands rather than on the computer and I discovered my passion for wood working which led to abstract sculptures in wood.
A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?
M: I would say that working with my hands is a ritual. It enables me to get more closely in contact with the wood rather than using electric tools.
A: What would you recommend to someone who's new to art (whether artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?
M: For someone who is new to art, I would say never get discouraged because everyone must find their own direction which is natural to them. Just follow your heart, passion and excitement and it will lead you in the right direction.
A: What are your three favourite adjectives related to art?
M: Three favourite adjectives related to art are: Refined, Clear, Meaningful.
A: The best angle to look at art is from …?
M: The best angle to look at my sculptures are usually from the front at about chest to eye level.
A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: …?
M: To start a conversation about art, a good phrase would be: "What is the meaning or message of this art?"
A: Must-read books to help us talk about art (or do we even need them)?
M: A. Coomaraswamy’s book The Transformation of Nature in Art explains the differences between traditional art and modern art very well so it helps us understand where we stand historically.
A: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?
M: If I could change one thing in the art world it would be for more people to realize that art is life, every aspect of life should be treated as art, with meaning and beauty; art is not just "fine arts".
A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art):
M: "Truth is a pathless land." - J. Krishnamurti
Thank you!
Comments