A massive thank you to @kisaragi_metalworkshop@toru_nsym for an unforgettable experience learning traditional craft techniques from Kanazawa and Ishikawa prefecture ! I feel very inspired to take these processes into my new work !
The photos are a jumble of all we covered over three days. Sen Zōgan (wire inlay), Hirazōgan (flat inlay), Kebori chisel carving. As well as teaching how to make several different types of chisel, from filing and shaping to hardening.
@toru_nsym has been doing valuable research into the ways of the old craft, studying and documenting the tools of Hiroyasu Yonezawa, over 700 different types of chisel. Thank you for all your hard work !
The final assigment was designed by Toru and reflects the shape of the plum blossom, the symbol of Kanazawa and symbolising the wish for success in the academic arts. They bloom earlier than cherry blossoms and endure the harsh long winter to bloom in spring whilst it is still cold in the air. The sen zōgan is the hiragana for Fu (the first sound of my name) and the S i carved with Kebori Tagane is for my mum because where would I be without you, thank you for always supporting me x
The second piece was a gift from @toru_nsym to myself with my name and his signature. Amazing !
If anyone would like more details and to talk about the process please don’t hesitate to message me!
‘Biscuit tin’
Patinated copper, patinated nami-shibu-ichi
The coffin itself and the lining are made from copper, I soldered the sides together and then filled with pitch, chasing the wood grain texture into the surface with some punches. I thought the edges had warped so nicely giving the appearance of damp twisted planks.
The skeleton is cut out from a nami-shibu-ichi ingot I cast, hammered and rolled out. Then I went and used about anything and everything to carve and excavate the details out, chisels to start and burrs to quell my impatience towards the end!
‘Cosmic Branch’
aspect ratio 19.5:9
Patinated copper, Nami-shibu-ichi
First Foray into ‘Hon Zogan’ metal inlay technique !
The stick is made from ‘shibuichi’ a 1-4 parts silver to copper alloy. The ground being pure copper sheet hand hammered to create the sensation of ripples in calm water. Polished and patinated.
Thanking the late Ford Hallam for all the knowledge left in his YouTube life capsule, RIP!
