Seiwa Sato
Stone sculptor
Yamanashi-city, Japan
A passion for beetles in stone
- Seiwa is among a small group of traditional stone sculptors practising in Japan today
- His creations are rooted in a childhood interest in beetles
- A structural understanding of the object is at the foundation of his art
Seiwa Sato's life-long fascination with insects directly shapes his stone sculpting practice. “People who are obsessed with beetles can spot one on a tree trunk, just by its silhouette. I am one of them,” he says. While attending a preparatory school, Seiwa was introduced to natural sciences and encountered materials such as archaeological artifacts, stone spearheads, bones and fossils. “There was something about the texture of fossils that reminded me of insects,” he recalls. This affinity led him to major in stone sculpture at university. Today, as traditional stone carving faces modern challenges, Seiwa remains committed to sustaining the craft for the future. "I would love to share and pass on the knowledge to younger generations,” he says.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I find inspiration by looking at an insect specimen almost every day. It is a mesmerizing work of art that human hands could never truly replicate. Through studying its form, I find there is always something new to discover.
It fascinates me that an excavated torso – fragmentary, imperfect and missing its limbs and head, could nonetheless capture something essential and become recognized as a distinct genre of artistic expression. I have applied this exact concept to my insect sculptures.
I have a few chisels, grinders, and stone hammers. Although electric grinders make a lot of noise and take time to get used to, once I do, I get into a flow state where they feel like an extension of my hands. It is the most enjoyable part of the creative process.
In Japan, insect burial mounds known as mushizuka reflect a cultural reverence for nature. Because of this unique tradition, my art is appreciated not just in the stone sculpture scene, but also by insect enthusiasts.
Seiwa Sato
Stone sculptor
Yamanashi-city, Japan
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Yamanashi-city, Japan
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Japanese
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