Tomoharu Funahashi's wooden vessels layer soft curves over the warmth of wood. Their quiet presence conveys a gentle intention to subtly blend into daily life.
It all began one day, just before graduating from university. He stumbled upon a magazine about a furniture workshop in a bookstore, and it was a moment that profoundly moved him. "I want to try this" that straightforward desire led him down the path of woodworking.
After working at furniture workshops and woodworking factories for about 20 years, he started creating his own works at his home studio in 2006, prompted by exhibiting at a craft fair. He continued to create works while holding two jobs, and in 2016, he became independent and began his career as an artist.
My encounter with Mr. Funahashi was at the Shizuoka Craft Fair a few years ago. Amidst the gentle atmosphere of the venue, his presence blended in remarkably well, and before I knew it, I had stopped to admire his work.
I remember feeling that the wooden vessels placed in the light seemed to breathe quietly, and when I picked one up, its gentleness subtly conveyed itself to me.
He actively participates in craft fairs in various regions, including Shizuoka and "Craft Fair Matsumoto." Craft fairs and pottery markets are enjoyable opportunities to physically touch the items and interact with the creators.
Tomoharu Funahashi's Wooden Vessels
His creative process begins with enhancing the inherent charm of the wood without detracting from it.
His goal is for them to be cherished and used for a long time as everyday tools. To achieve this, he meticulously works on every detail, including the unseen backs and intricate parts, ensuring a comfortable feel in hand.
The sincerity embedded in each piece of work seems to instantly convey itself the moment you touch it.
The forms that emerge as if listening to the shapes hidden in natural landscapes, and old tools and crafts that have passed through long periods of time, embrace the wood grain, enveloped in soft shadows, and possess a quietly breathing expression. Recently, he has been re-inspired by traditional floral designs and has been incorporating them into his plates.
Whether used as a bread plate or a tray for small bowls, when gently placed on the table, the soft rhythm of the wood spreads, making the everyday scene a little softer and more orderly.
As it's used, the color slowly deepens, taking on the memory of your hands and developing a unique character. Before you know it, it quietly takes root deep within your life, subtly accompanying you in unexpected moments...
It's a presence that grows with time.
Click here for Tomoharu Funahashi's works: here
