W# IKM-07

W# IKM-06

Ike expresses the strength of the spirit in this piece. Mononofu means samurai in medieval Japanese. Ike’s original technique of mixing “Yahazu” with wide bamboo strips creates space surrounded by an impression of samurai armor. This expresses the calm state of one’s mind, but could also be translated as the spiritual state of nothingness. The curved arch on the underside also shows the flexibility of bamboo.

This piece shows Ike’s aspiration to accumulate virtues and be of upstanding character. It uses both old and new techniques. The projections from the surface are made using an old technique called “Yahazu” but combining those projections together with wide bamboo strips is a new technical challenge.

After abundant research, Ike used straight thin Takehigo (bamboo strips) and created a lithe organic sculpture almost as though made by clay. The recent changes in life of the artist, who recently started a family, can also be found in the work.