Essays in Idleness, Modern Chapter: “Revelation of Transparency in Otaru”
In the quietness of my solitude, as I face the inkstone, I record the thoughts that drift through my mind without purpose, and in doing so, I discover a strange sense of fascination.
I spent a day on a lightning-quick mini-trip to Otaru in the northern lands. Though brief, I find myself astonished by the abundance of inspiration gathered in such a short time.
At the Western Art Museum in Otaru Art Village, I was deeply moved by the works of Émile Gallé and the Daum brothers. Now I truly comprehend Gallé’s words: “My roots run deep in the soil.” His passion for closely observing nature and capturing its essence within transparent glass embodies the very core of artistic expression I seek.
At the Stained Glass Museum, I encountered the finest of British craftsmanship, and at the Nitori Museum, I was mesmerized by the luminosity of Louis C. Tiffany’s layered glass—a truly eye-opening experience. I was particularly struck by the innovative nature of Tiffany’s stained glass. Not merely flat surfaces, but the depth created by overlapping glass pieces revealed the secret of “perspective” I had been seeking.
Furthermore, at the Venetia Museum, I encountered a collection of works that recreated Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” in glass mosaic. Seeing the swirling light of stars expressed through tiny fragments of glass was nothing short of a revelation. In this moment, I realized the value of the “swirling patterns” I had once asked to remove. While ashamed of my shallow understanding, I rejoice in this new discovery.
On the train home, I contemplated: What is perspective? It is not merely the expression of physical distance, but a magic that creates a “sense of spatial expanse” in the viewer’s heart, conjuring three-dimensional depth on a two-dimensional plane. Incorporating this perspective into my pursuit of the fusion between “Neo-Japanesque” and “Art Nouveau” will open new doors of expression.
My goals moving forward are to incorporate Tiffany’s layered glass technique, Van Gogh’s swirling starry sky, and the fragmented aesthetics of glass mosaics into my AI art. Multiple layers of overlapping glass, the refraction and transmission of light through them, the rich interplay of colors created by fragmented glass pieces—with these elements, I aim to create a new world where Eastern and Western beauty harmoniously merge.
Inspired also by the projection mapping techniques at the former Otaru Branch of Mitsui Bank, I intend to explore the artistic possibilities that exist in the space between stillness and movement.
A single day’s journey has given me months’ worth of learning. Coming into contact with the wisdom of ancient masters and recognizing one’s own immaturity is the greatest asset for a creator.
Invisible threads can sometimes be stronger than visible silk threads. Nourished by the inspiration gained in the northern land, I shall continue my diligent efforts toward reaching greater heights.