Why do we choose
this shape, color, and material?

Ever since I was a child who would draw whenever I had free time, I could never imagine a future for myself other than becoming an artist. However, when I entered art school and began studying the craft of creation professionally, I became increasingly fascinated by the origins of the shapes, colors, and materials found in every single work of art ever created by humankind. Upon discovering that “art history” existed as an academic discipline dedicated to exploring these questions, I transferred to that department and became completely captivated by its appeal. Working as a museum curator managing collections and planning exhibitions, I also had the opportunity to learn approaches to artworks through conservation and scientific analysis. I experienced countless moments of pure joy—working hand-in-hand across these specialized fields to discuss a single artwork—which drew me even deeper into this world.
Currently, using Buddhist sculptures and paintings as my subject matter, I am tracing the process by which themes, imagery, materials, and techniques are shared and transmitted between Japan and China, and how the distinct characteristics of each region are formed. Looking back, perhaps what I want to know hasn’t changed at all from the question I asked myself when I was aspiring to become an artist: “Why choose this shape, this color, this material?”