In my work as a sculptor, every piece that is born is much more than a form. It is a story, an emotion brought to life through wood, fire, and patience. The sculpture I recently exhibited carries a powerful and universal message: the theme of rebirth.
Life is a continuous flow, an alternation of moments that end and new ones that begin. In this piece, I wanted to capture precisely this eternal cycle — that inner drive urging us to let go of the past, to shed old versions of ourselves, and to make room for something new and more authentic.
The structure divides into two distinct but connected sections: between them rests a stone. This is no ordinary stone — it represents the Ikigai, the profound reason for being. Ikigai, in Japanese, means “reason for living” or “reason for being.” It is the inner fire that gives meaning to our actions, the “why” that motivates us to wake up each day with passion, motivation, and awareness.
This stone is the sculpture’s heart, the silent core that holds the two parts together, symbolizing the balance between who we have been and who we want to become. The space surrounding it is not emptiness but a field full of potential — a sacred space where new ideas, projects, and lives can sprout. It is a space for transformation.
Working with wood, employing techniques like yakisugi and drawing inspiration from the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, I have learned to appreciate beauty in imperfection, the value of time’s traces, and the essence of nature that envelops and regenerates everything. This sculpture reflects that vision: it is not perfect, but it is real, alive, and authentic. It speaks of strength and fragility together, resilience and delicacy — just like us.
Presenting this artwork in the exhibition was my way of sharing this vision of rebirth with others. I want those who see it to pause for a moment, feel the call to find their own Ikigai, their reason for living. To feel encouraged to release fears and burdens from the past and look confidently toward new horizons — toward a renewed life full of meaning.
For me, every sculpture is a dialogue between matter, energy, and spirit. This one, in particular, aims to invite rediscovery of our essence, to embrace change as a natural part of the human journey, and to walk courageously and gratefully toward what lies ahead.
At the heart of this sculpture beats the idea that each of us can be reborn, can start anew, and can find within ourselves the spark that lights the path and gives value to every step. And that path, despite its imperfections, is always worthy of being lived with authenticity and passion.