Artist Tomoaki Orikasa presents a series of whimsical mixed media sculptures that reflect the human condition. Visit his website to see more of his work.
“Don’t Go Mama” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 16.5” x 8” x 3”
Since I was a kid, I have been full of curiosity about how things are made. When I became a teenager, I was determined to teach myself about how things worked and to discover how to make whatever interested me.
“Don’t Look At Me” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 7” x 7” x 4”
There were a few casualties. I attempted re-forging a broken kitchen knife on the kitchen stove. Then I tried to build a go-cart from old bicycle parts. I even tried to make a weed whacker and a plastic model gun, in an effort to conduct a diverse search for physical understanding.
“Barrel Rolling” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 18” x 10” x 4”
During that time what intrigued me the most were metals. They are durable and strong, yet also malleable. It was mysterious and fascinating to me. My intrigue with the processes of manipulating metals reflects on the art I create today.
“Tangled Up” polymer resin, copper and steel, 7” x 8.5” x 5”
I had the opportunity to study overseas. I attended the University of Central Oklahoma as a business major, where I found myself in a jewelry-making class as an elective course. It opened my eyes to many truths about working metal, and the possibility of making a living in the field of art.
“You Silly” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 8.5” x 9.5” x 6”
I immediately changed my major to art and pursued my passion as a craftsman. After college, I started working at an art foundry, The Crucible LLC, making monumental bronze sculpture, and I continue to work as a foundryman as well as a freelance sculptor and jeweler.
“I’m Beautiful” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 6” x 14.5” x 4”
I used to think I wanted to be a full-time artist, but I realized that I’m where I want to be. I get to create art, learn something new every day, and stimulate my creative mind working with other artists and craftsmen, solving unique challenges for a wide variety of sculptures.
“Just Between You and Me” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 9.5” x s 12.5” x 4”
What I create is constantly evolving as I grow as a craftsman and a person. My latest works are part of a mixed media sculpture series I call “Eggtion Figures”. They are primarily constructed from cast resin, copper and steel. Egg bodies are made from polymer resin, cast into the silicone mold I made from a chicken egg. Hands feet and limbs are fabricated from copper wire, sheet and tube fastened with tiny nuts and bolts.
“To the Moon 3rd Try” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 10” x 16” x 3”
The egg in both form and concept fascinates me. It is a timeless object, with potential for life, sustenance, or spoiling—a streamlined container that stimulates connections through vast symbols and metaphors of which we mostly can relate. Imperfect in shape but captivating and iconic in simplicity, the egg is inanimate yet alive. Fragile yet strong.
“Let’s Make Friends” polymer, resin, copper and steel, 14” x 13” x 6”
As a student, and for some years after, I struggled with the language barrier and relied on body language to aid communication. For many years I have created subjects of my culture, and of western culture, through realism and abstraction, but have found there are always complications to the expression.
Artist Tomoaki Orikasa in his studio
Through the form of the egg, I feel free to tell the story I wish to tell, to communicate, through gesture—suggesting body language I wish to imply to my audiences. That is why my sculptures don’t have facial expressions. Even though I have put my intention and feelings into the pieces, I also want viewers to interpret freely. After all, body language can be ambiguous. Sometimes what I try to express is rather complex or subtle, but I think audiences will be able to recognize common elements from their experiences and find a connection to their story through my art.
Artist Tomoaki Orikasa invites you to follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
Love your work! Very fun and original.
Bettina, Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad to hear you enjoy my work. I have more EGGtion Figures and other works that you might enjoy in my website. Also, consider follow my Facebook page where you can see my behind scenes and other interesting stuff I’m doing. I hope to see you there!
I’ve known you for several years now and I can still be even more impressed each time I see a new piece of work. I have great appreciation for the subtle humor of the Eggtion Figures. The body language is spot on Tom. You are a creative genius.
Thank you Stephanie! Your comment encourage me to keep making more Eggtion Figures.