Tanaka Tomomi
Double-Headed, 2019
This Tomomi piece is a classic example of the artist’s vision of organic and meticulously crafted clay pieces affixed with delicate lamellas. This stoneware sculpture is layered with rippling lamellas of clay, carefully attached to the surface of the hand-built clay core.
About this Tomomi Piece
The direction of the lamellas creates a fusion, where each of the figure’s two “heads” meets in a smooth crease. It sits asymmetrically on a flat surface, adding another layer of visual interest to the dynamic object.
The Emotional Vision of Tanaka Tomomi
Tanaka Tomomi has described her almost “frantic” need to express her emotions through a visual medium. The unique and singular lamella technique that she employs creates a flow representative of the swirling of emotions within the human mind, while the evolving shapes in symbolize the turbulent ocean of feelings, ranging from smooth and supple to ominously frenetic.
Tomomi’s technique includes affixing the lamellas carefully to a solid clay core, encasing the solid center with shifting and kinetic ripples. Tomomi has long found this meticulous process to be a soothing and consuming alternative to verbal expression, with which she struggles. The artist continues an evolutionary journey to create art that represents one’s internal dialogue.
Tanaka Tomomi- Conversations with Oneself
Tanaka Tomomi is a contemporary artist from Hyogo, Japan who attended Aichi University of Education, Japan. The artist has won numerous awards in Japan, and her work can be seen in collections across the country and internationally.
Designed and created by Tanaka Tomomi in 2019.
Tanaka Tomomi specializes in a intricate sculptures, crafted with meticulous layers of clay lamellas affixed to a hand-built clay core. This technique evolved from a spontaneous moment of inspiration when Tomomi found herself captivated by a piece of flattened clay. During the early stages of her development, Tomomi described feeling an almost frantic need to express her suppressed emotions through the medium of clay. She started by attaching thin, delicate lamellas to simple, spherical cores. Subsequently, form has always been secondary to the process. As Tomomi delved deeper into her craft, she began experimenting with a range of core shapes and lamella sizes. The organic, flowing forms reminiscent of waves, limbs, and waists emerged as she played with pulling and constricting the core forms. Thus, representing a transformational period in Tomomi’s work. Signaling the dawn of more complex, immersive sculptures.
| Dimensions | 10.5 × 9 × 6.75 in |
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| Artist | |
| Date | 2019 |
| Style | |
| Exhibitions | 2024 Gift Guide |
