Seira Sato
At the heart of all my works is my desire to experiment. Oftentimes, my pieces stem from an impulsive attraction towards a new medium, subject or idea. The opening terms of the IB course allowed me to dive into unfamiliar techniques, with guidance from my teachers. I found this period of exploration stimulating and thereafter continued to seek novel processes.
In terms of my muse, as the course progressed, my work became a response to my lived experience, as though a biography. This necessitated much reflection, urging me to become more perceptive and conscious of the world I have been brought up in. Through providing a glimpse into the episodes of my life, I hope to create an immersive experience, underscored by a sense of childlike playfulness. I believe my process mirrors this theme as I focus on manipulating layers, whether through collage, paint or even digitally. I aim for my works to invite the observer to look beyond the surface. By doing so, new lines, textures or figures may emerge, adding to the holistic experience I hope to create. For example, in my large mixed media piece, the layers go through the collaged elements, then the dry pastels and watercolour down to the subtle but intricate paper embossing. This piece was one of my most spontaneous, marking a turning point in my work where I began to have greater trust in my intuition and skill.
Like so, my two years in the Art department have been characterised by my growth and discovery as an artist, supported by the strange culmination of laughter, enthusiasm and stress that is constantly present here. I am eager to take these lessons and fond memories with me beyond the department, further afield into other areas of my life.