留学生レポート

Eefje Verstraelen

領　域 ： 彫刻
派遣元 ： ロッテルダム芸術アカデミー
期　間 ： 2004.09.13　～　2005.01

My exchange at Tokyo Zokei University September 2004 - January 2005

The reason I wanted to study at the Tokyo Zokei University was to experience the difference between the Japanese culture and the Dutch western culture. I wanted to research Japanese art in public space and the phenomenon Pet Architecture.
My goal was to do two projects. One project in which I would learn something about traditional Japanese art. And one project I defined myself about art in public space, which I would create by the experience of my stay in Tokyo, Japan.

As my official coordinator, professor Ohnari learned me a lot about stone sculptures and the technical aspects of making one. This was all based on traditional Japanese way.
This art and the technique were very interesting for me to learn because at my academy we don’t practice this kind of traditional art and it was the first time in my life to do this.
The first stone I made I did totally by hand. It was difficult but very good to get a relationship with the stone and get the feeling of techniques.
With the second stone I made, a really big one, I learn to use different kind of machines and new techniques. It was a nice process. I loved to work outside in the stone studio and see the Japanese season changes from summer to autumn to winter.
I think the studio’s at Zokei are really inspiring and open workplace. A lot of students where very friendly and help me along the exchange period at the stone studio and the other studios.
Mr. Ohnari helped me to get really nice stainless steal pins that connected two separated stone parts. He was a really enthusiastic professor. Also he helped me with the financial part of sending my first stone sculpture to The Netherlands. For which I am, him and the staff of Zokei University very grateful!

The second project I wanted to do, about my experience in Tokyo. I had help from Mr. Takubo. He organized meetings with other students and former students.
In these meetings people could talk about their portfolio, concepts and explain own artwork. I used these meetings for explaining my concept and idea well. This was very interesting and important for me because the artwork was about communication so it had to communicate with its environment. This kind of classes I am more used at my academy. About personal opinions, discussions and more content in idea development.

I had a really good time during my exchange at the Tokyo Zokei University. It was very interesting to work at a university and environment which is totally different than where I'm used to live and work in. And I also learned a lot about the Japanese culture. This knowledge and inspiration I am going to use for new artworks in the future.

The students and the staff of Tokyo Zokei University helped me to have a nice and inspiring time. I miss the people, the fun, the jokes and the nice barbecues already!

I am looking forward to visit Japan and Tokyo Zokei University again, when I m graduated.

Arigato Gozaimasta

Sayonara

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