“My work is like a diary, like a poem,” reflects Fumiya Watanabe, an artist who transforms the ephemeral nature of daily experiences and emotions into timeless wooden sculptures. Nestled in the picturesque city of Gifu, Japan, Watanabe’s journey into the world of wood carving began in university, where he first delved into the intricacies of the craft. This academic foundation was further enriched through intensive mentorship with a master Inami artisan, a relationship that deepened his technical prowess and understanding of the medium.
For Watanabe, each piece is a delicate encapsulation of the world around him, a tangible manifestation of his observations and inner reflections. His sculptures are not merely representations but rather translations of fleeting moments and profound feelings into a permanent, tangible form.
In his creative process, Watanabe often turns to doodling as a method of capturing his impressions and experiences. These spontaneous sketches serve as a visual diary, recording everything from mundane daily events to the nuanced interactions with people and animals in his life. “My feelings appear in various forms,” he shares in an interview. “Events in my daily life, things from the past, people around me, and the dogs and cats I live with all come to me as inspiration. I am not aiming to deliver a grand message through my work. Instead, I give shape to what I feel, allowing the viewer to engage with and interpret the artwork in their own unique way.”
Watanabe’s sculptures invite viewers to embark on a personal journey through his emotional landscape, offering a space where they can explore and resonate with their own experiences. Through his art, he bridges the gap between the ephemeral and the eternal, crafting pieces that speak to the heart of human experience in the language of wood.
Find more on the artist’s website, and follow updates on Instagram.
