Yuto Yamasaki, a renowned sculptor known for his intricate wooden creations, shares the philosophy behind his craft. Yamasaki’s choice of wood as a medium stems from its accessibility and practicality. He relishes the ease with which wood can be worked and the lack of environmental concerns associated with its disposal. Yet, it’s in his approach to raw materials that his true artistic perspective becomes apparent.
Yamasaki emphasizes the importance of perceiving wood not merely as a material but as an entity with its own existence. He acknowledges the inherent beauty and history embedded within each piece of wood. This profound respect for nature’s creations guides his hand as he operates the chainsaw, allowing him to carve with precision and reverence.
Yamasaki’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he began incorporating plants as subjects for his sculptures. The choice of houseplants and cacti stemmed from his desire to bridge the gap between art and everyday life. He observed the prevalence of plants in interior design magazines and recognized their aesthetic appeal. This observation led him to explore the concept of creating plant sculptures that could seamlessly blend into domestic spaces.
Despite the seemingly pragmatic motivations behind his choice of subject matter, Yamasaki’s artistic process is deeply rooted in personal philosophy. He explains that his sculptures lack a predefined concept. Instead, he views the act of creation as an extension of his daily routine, akin to eating or sleeping. The process of making art becomes an intrinsic part of his being, and the resulting作品s embody the essence of Yuto Yamasaki himself.
Currently, Yamasaki has shifted his focus to cars as his artistic subject. He attributes this change to a desire for variety and the vast array of forms and colors found in the automotive world. With a goal of creating 100 car sculptures, Yamasaki embarks on this new chapter with the same passion and dedication that has characterized his previous work.
When asked about artistic influences, Yamasaki mentions Atsuhiko Misawa, his former sculpture professor at Musashino Art University, along with renowned photographer Daido Moriyama and contemporary artist Shinro Ohtake. He expresses a particular affinity for artists whose work output is prolific and whose creative process becomes an embodiment of their life’s journey.
Through his sculptures and his heartfelt words, Yuto Yamasaki unveils the essence of being an artist. He demonstrates that true artistic expression transcends the creation of mere objects and becomes an integral part of one’s existence.
