(Image © Jiyuseki)
Some things I love – trompe l’oeil, clever art and design that makes me smile, a sense of fun, originality, optical illusions, wondering “How do they do that?”… So, when I find an artist who achieves all of this with his art, I am totally captivated.
Let me introduce you to the incredibly clever world of Japanese artist and stonemason, Hirotoshi Ito. He carves sculpture out of stone. But, not just any sculpture. His work utilises the natural shape of the river stones he works with, and he then imbues them with his unique kind of warmth and humour. The result is both clever and enchanting.
I love all his work. Perhaps I’m leaning towards the plush stone being my favourite… What do you think?
(Image © Jiyuseki)
(Image © Jiyuseki)
(Image © Jiyuseki)
(Image © Jiyuseki)
(Image © Jiyuseki)
(Image © Jiyuseki)
(Image © Jiyuseki)
While scratching my head and wondering, “How does he do that?”, I am seriously lusting after a piece of stone sculpture made Hirotoshi Ito. Sadly, I don’t think I will get to Gallery Jiyuseki in Nagano, Japan any time soon.
If you’d like to see some more examples of his work, check out his website here. Amazing.
I totally agree, they are really captivating. I like the metal age and peel. The teeth are a little too life like and remind me of my grandma’s false teeth though! 🙂 even so cannot stop peeking!
I imagine they are false teeth (of some description) BCD! Kind of spooky, aren’t they? I just marvel at how he does this with stone… so cool!
They are amazing, BTW I saw vivid Sydney on Saturday night, it was fab….although I have to agree…people everywhere ( how dare they he he), I must be gettig old!!!
Ha! We made the same comment! We are getting older (and better with age, I reckon’!) We took the lift up to the Cahill Express walk way and there was nobody there – and, great views.
I agree with birdcagedesign re the teeth, they are a little bit too life like.I love the coffee one though.
Hi Liz – thanks for popping in! I reckon’ the teeth are a hoot, but I’m not sure I’d want one on my desk! 🙂
These are amazing. I love/hate the teeth ones- fascinating and creepy and kind of funny all at the same time. I love the idea of the plush stone.
Hiya In80Plays – think your journey sounds fab’! Wish you all the best (although, as an almost Aussie, I reckon’ Blundston Boots are a go anywhere!)
I also think your love/hate description nails it. Cool, huh? 🙂
Aw, thanks! I’ll probably end up picking up a new pair of boots once I get to Australia:) Thanks for posting such interesting stuff all the time!
I have never seen anything like them before!! The smiling teeth in stones remind me of the potato heads. Without eyes!
I hadn’t seen anything like this either, Happiness. Wonderful aren’t they?
Cheers for stopping by! 🙂
I like “Peel” and the “Coin Purse”! What an imagination!
I know – how did he even come up with the idea. I just love the concept – so quirky. You’d have to keep it away from Wonderbutt, tho’ – he might break a tooth!
Syders! Your posts get more fascinating as you post them. These are very cool and I am a fan of metal age. I would love to go to Japan – they are so cool, and take innovation + creativity to another level.
I’m with you, M. I’d love to visit Japan, too. I reckon’ this work is brilliant! 🙂
These works are great! Wow
Aren’t they? What an imagination. 🙂
Love the shirt at the end…a nice contrast to the rest..which is – wow – quite remarkable!! Who thinks of these amazing things?! And better yet…goes on to make them!! Love it!
I know – who thinks of them? Hirotoshi-san, that’s who! Amazing talent, yes?
Trust you to go for the shirt – there is a subtlety about it, I think. 🙂
Wow, TSL, these are pretty cool – I especially love ‘Peel’. But I agree with everyone about the teeth – creepy! Wonder if Hirotoshi-san recommends brushing and flossing so they stay bright and shiny… 🙂
Cheers Sparks! – Shall I ask him for you? 🙂
Yet another amazing variety of artwork. Very creative and cute. Howeve, I’m not so sure about those teeth – false teeth stolen from someones grandfather?
You are not alone in your thoughts on the teeth, J. Pretty amazing work tho’, isn’t it? 🙂
Yup. I’d like one of the ones in the first photo….