The Clay Studio : Shop

I find strong personal connections to the idea of collecting. Objects that – by physical identity, texture, pattern or color – represent my theories and observations about life concepts. The foundation of my work revolves around collecting appreciation and motivation from my observation of nature. I see nature as the ultimate artist. From its forms and color palettes to its functions; everything that nature produces is used as a motivational tool to create and expand on my artistic output. Drawing is the tool that I utilize to express my inspiration and connection to nature by translating my observations of nature in pattern and form. Whether it is the pattern of bark found in the Sequoia National Park, the camouflaged skin sighted on the Napoleon eel found on the coral reefs, or the graphic patterns spotted on black-eyed peas, all is first observed, then the drawing begins. Sometimes the natural is seen through the filter of my drawing, other times we are left with the un-translated objects themselves. My Japanese heritage greatly influences my work and establishes an additional layer to my artwork. The essence of Japanese design involves a marriage of functionality and beauty through form, symmetry and craft with impeccable workmanship. The Japanese have many traditions that involve the collecting and ordering of nature, all of which inform my decision-making process. The collection of layers, drawing, objects and heritage are them presented in a shadow box. This helps create a whole out of the related collections, and also references my assembling of collections. In the end the artwork becomes a physical, mental and philosophical documentary of my observations.

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Lynn Tanaka

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Lynn Tanaka

Did you Know?

Can We Help?

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