karakuri
 |
In 2002 I received an Australia Council for the Arts grant, enabling me to study under artisan Mr Shobei Tamaya IX, a ninth generation Karakuri Ningyo craftsman and the last remaining mechanical doll master in Japan. In addition, I spent time at Nagoya University with Dr Yoshikazu Suematsu, founder of the Suematsu Robotics Laboratory; currently Director of the Toyota National College of Technology, in Nagoya, Japan.
‘Karakuri’ = a mechanical device to tease, trick, or take a person by surprise. Central to the Karakuri philosophy is concealment of technology, to evoke feelings and emotions and a sense of hidden inner magic. Karakuri is the starting point from which Japan’s love of robots and technology has developed. These experiences have prompted me to continue studying the Karakuri craft and how it relates to contemporary robot culture and science innovation. The historical and cultural aspects of robots in society continues to be a major theme that informs my artistic practice. I am actively involved in delivering lectures, workshops and hosting forums at educational institutions and festivals internationally on Karakuri, robots and creative/artistic applications of technology. Major Karakuri related projects: Exhibitons: |