{"title":"Mike Sasaki","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/9275\/9172\/files\/HeadShot_MikeSasaki.jpg?v=1771367924\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOn the Wood Forms:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis body of work began in 2017 with the first Arch form drawn intuitively on paper.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis first form was structurally balanced, without a plan.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePerhaps the physical balance of the freestanding form was intuitively part of its aesthetic order.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis freestanding component of the sculptures has remained an integral component in the concept of the artwork over the years.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe surfaces of the wood forms are often left bare or with a light coating of wax. I feel this preserves and enables a rather direct perception of the plant material.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAs the sculptures continue to develop and emerge, the theme of non-duality seems to be a fundamental thread coursing through the artwork.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe forms are not meant as direct representations of visible nature, but rather as expressions of ideas. The titles are often chosen after the form is discovered on paper and contemplated. A few examples of the titles are: “The Inseparability of Action”, “Non-Local Movement”, and “Permeable Existence”.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe inspiration for my work comes from a state of mental quietude. When the mind is quiet yet alert, I feel a sense of beauty is present.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThe carving process involves hand tools acquired from around the world, like hook knives from Japan, sloyd knives from Sweden, and rasps from Czech Republic. Carving these forms with sharp tools is a joy in itself and certainly influences the creative development of the work reciprocally. \u003c\/span\u003eThe sculpting process, at first requiring intense concentration of body and mind to establish the shape, gradually slows into a quiet and meditative rhythm as the form becomes more and more refined. The process ends with lengthy sanding to clarify the surface and make the final, subtle refinements of the art piece. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bipod-no-18-4-x-8-5-x-2-5","title":"Bipod No. 18, 4\" x 8.5\" x 2.5\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eDeodar Cedar by Mike Sasaki.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Sasaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47871629033686,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/9275\/9172\/files\/bipod-no-18-4-x-85-x-25-sculpture-mike-sasaki-868584.jpg?v=1771870039"},{"product_id":"reception-no-1-4-5-x-7-x-4","title":"Reception No.1, 4.5\" x 7\" x 4\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eYellow Cedar by Mike Sasaki.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Sasaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47871636603094,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/9275\/9172\/files\/reception-no1-45-x-7-x-4-sculpture-mike-sasaki-858097.jpg?v=1771870009"},{"product_id":"refelected-forms-no-1-4-x-6-75-x-2-5","title":"Refelected Forms No.1, 4\" x 6.75\" x 2.5\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eYellow Cedar, Acrylic Paint by Mike Sasaki.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Sasaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47871714558166,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/9275\/9172\/files\/refelected-forms-no1-4-x-675-x-25-sculpture-mike-sasaki-900772.jpg?v=1771870024"},{"product_id":"bipod-no-14-2-5-x-4-75-x-2-75-copy","title":"Bipod No.14, 2.5\" x 4.75\" x 2.75\"","description":"\u003cp\u003ePort Oxford Cedar Paste Wax, by Mike Sasaki.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Sasaki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47871776522454,"sku":null,"price":575.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/9275\/9172\/files\/bipod-no14-25-x-475-x-275-sculpture-mike-sasaki-361850.jpg?v=1771870082"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/9275\/9172\/collections\/mike-sasaki-597985.jpg?v=1771372461","url":"https:\/\/www.artagallery.ca\/collections\/mike-sasaki.oembed","provider":"Arta Gallery in Toronto Distillery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}