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The TM JAPAN ART STUDIO:
Into the Future

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The past two years have been a period of reflection. Inspired by proximity to nature, and a supportive family, Takeshi Matsuyama now creates work that demonstrates awareness of how art can provide solace. And not just calm, but new ways of seeing.





As Matsuyama has said of his work: “It’s a way to get in touch with traditional Japanese culture. By visiting my studio, guests can appreciate more deeply the value of what’s being done through observing the physical process of what I make, and, through the observation, and my explanation of what they are seeing, guests experience a part of the process.”


He brings nature into the thing itself, as he has noted: “There is our local Fuji-san, which we call, Fuji Shaga Mountain. I see it every day, and it’s inspiring. The mountain is pretty close to my studio, and although clouds sometimes disturb the view, on good days I can see changes. The snow falling, for example, and less dramatically I can say that each day is different, depending on the light. In the morning, it means a lot to me when there is clarity--then I’m very motivated.”


That motivation translates into new works of art that he creates each day in his studio. And, as we emerge from the pandemic, and international guests return to visit him, he plans for them to experience the creative process more directly than in previous years.





Matsuyama has said: “In the last year and a half, since the pandemic started, I have had lots of thoughts and feelings about what it is, and what is taking place. Compared to World War Two, or the Tohoku earthquake or the Kobe earthquake, I feel really lucky. I feel lucky because I have my family, my home, and food to eat each day. Of course, I’m worried about the future, but I try to stay positive.”


Luck, motivation, art: key to the imagination.


Matsuyama’s pragmatic approach to including guests in the process of making art are specific.


“First of all,” he said,” my feelings are much, much stronger compared to before the pandemic. I’m really more aware of the joy I feel when considering the distance that international guests have traveled to come to a small town like Yamanaka and to my house and studio. I’m looking to provide guests with a unique, artistic experience.”


One way that Matsuyama is planning to go about doing that is through encouraging direct participation of guests. He wants them to have a hands-on experience. In that way, they may better understand the artistic process, and perhaps cultivate their own creative inclinations.


“I’m hoping to include guests in drawing; even if I do half, and they do the other half,” he said, “it’s a way to see and feel their creativity.”


The future holds possibility: including the crafting of objects as specific as fountain pens with makie designs to original concepts generaed in the studio.


Together, as artist and visitor, tomorrow brings imaginative expression.