An American student who visited us this past February for a month-long intensive woodcarving sculpture training has just won first prize in the sculpture competition at the “Primera Jornada Criolla de Artesanía” (First Creole Craft Festival) in the municipality of Caguas!
The theme of the competition was “Miniatures that Tell a Story.”
His winning piece will now become a permanent part of the Cultural Development Department’s collection, managed by the Caguas Museum of Art.
He has shared how thrilled he is to have won such a prestigious competition in Caguas and is deeply honored that his work will be preserved as part of the museum’s collection.
During his time here, he showed an incredible drive to improve, asking insightful questions about every detail of the craft.
Seeing his hard work and ambition culminate in such a wonderful achievement brings me great joy.
Artist Profile
Born in 1984 in Chiba, Japan.
My artistic journey began with the study of Murakami Kibo Tsuishu (traditional lacquer wood carving) in Niigata. Seeking to deepen my mastery of wood carving, I apprenticed for five years under a master sculptor of Inami Chokoku—a highly prestigious traditional craft from Toyama.
In 2009, I established my independent studio in Kanazawa, a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage.
My practice focuses on creating Buddhist sculptures for temples and private collectors, producing over 20 commissioned works annually, including intricate deities and auspicious figures such as the Seven Lucky Gods and dragons.
In addition to new creations, I am dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage, specializing in the restoration of Buddhist sculptures damaged by time or natural disasters.
Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and the contemporary world, breathing life into wood within the historic atmosphere of Kanazawa.
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