ArtShop Tsukibae

ArtShop Tsukibae

Artist Story

Hirotake Imanishi

Before entering the world of ceramics I was a researcher in the field of biology.
Laboratory animals undergo various procedures, the latest equipment is used for analysis,
and cells are observed under a microscope.
My primary research was on cancer metastasis and immune action mechanisms, focusing
closer on mitochondria, which are intracellular organelles. What impressed me the most was
the proliferation, division, and death of cells which I observed under the microscope on a
daily basis.

Every day cell replication and proliferation takes place in our bodies. Generally speaking, cells follow a pattern of replication, transcription, translation, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation from the genome. However, "errors" can occur in this process. These “errors”, that occur as cells divide and proliferate by the tens of thousands every day, are usually harmless, but in very rare cases they can lead to major changes. These changes can be “lethal”, or even trigger “evolution”.

As an organism that generates and accumulates these "errors" in my body on a daily basis, I
now create works of art with my own hands, using Clay and Fire as materials. The works of
art I create could be described as an extension of the cells that make up my body, and of
course, there are many errors that occur in the process of daily ceramic production. I enjoy
this process.

I often have people ask, "Why did you become a ceramic artist? You could make more money as a researcher." or, "Why don't you do both? Artist and researcher?” Academic researchers study phenomena to produce understanding where it doesn’t yet exist and publish their discoveries in the form of a research paper. The Artist produces a work of art by expressing something of their inner self, with the purpose of presenting it to the world. In essence, I believe, these are the same thing.

From the owner

ArtShop Tsukibae Owner,
Mayumi Miyanaga

Hirotake Imanishi - Artworks
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