Clay Art with Emy Oikawa
When you think of art, what comes to mind? Perhaps paintings, sculptures, or even digital creations. But have you ever explored the intricate world of clay art? In this blog post, we dive into the captivating realm of clay art, as I had the delightful opportunity to chat with the talented Wellington clay artist, Emy Oikawa, of Eclo Art. Emy and I are currently collaborating on an exciting artwork 'My Floral Sunshine', and she's bringing it to life with her extraordinary clay artistry.
Emy behind the scenes creating clay art
Getting to Know Emy: The Artistic Journey
Emy's artistic journey is nothing short of fascinating. Born and raised in Colombia, with roots in both Japanese and Colombian culture, she initially pursued industrial design. However, her heart was always drawn to art, a passion she carried since childhood. Emy found herself irresistibly pulled back to her true calling, leaving behind the world of product design.
Over the years, Emy and her partner embarked on a new adventure, relocating to New Zealand, where they now call home. Along the way, they welcomed two precious children into their lives. Emy's journey has been marked by significant milestones, from her career shifts to her family's expansion and even a heartfelt return to her Colombian roots after years abroad.
Emy Oikawa Clay Artist & Jewellery Designer
The Essence of Emy's Clay Art
Emy's artistic medium is as unique as her journey. She's a clay artist, specialising in a distinctive technique that sets her apart. Her creations involve meticulously placing clay piece by piece onto a board, initially using her fingertips and eventually incorporating tools like spatulas. This method creates mesmerising, textured artworks, often featuring intricate jewellery pieces.
New Zealand Contemporary Artist Anna Mollekin with her 'My Sunshine' artwork digitally hand drawn in Adobe Fresco.
Discovering Clay Art: Emy's Inspiration
Emy's journey into clay art was influenced by her family, with artists on both her Japanese and Colombian sides. Her mother, in particular, played a role in nurturing her creativity. Emy also found inspiration from artists and designers worldwide, often discovering fresh perspectives on platforms like Instagram. She was drawn to various art forms and always found a way to infuse her unique style into her creations.
Emy's materials.
Nature as a Muse
Emy's art journey has explored a multitude of subjects, from people to plants and geometric shapes. Her technique evolved over time, refining her focus on intricate details. She delved into pointillism, employing tiny dots and circles to create captivating patterns. Nature, with its endless beauty and complexity, also serves as a constant muse for Emy's clay art.
Emy Oikawa's clay art kowhai flower work in progress on 'My Floral Sunshine' collaboration artwork with Anna Mollekin,
The Creative Connection: Collaboration with Emy
Now, you might be wondering how our paths crossed and what led to our exciting collaboration. It all began on Instagram, where Emy stumbled upon a post I made, advocating for support within the artist and designer community. Someone tagged her, and that initial connection piqued her interest. After exploring my work, Emy was inspired to reach out and propose a collaboration, and I couldn't be happier that she did.
Emy Oikawa's clay art work in progress on 'My Floral Sunshine' collaboration artwork with Anna Mollekin,
The Therapeutic Artistry of Clay
Our conversation also touched on the therapeutic aspect of Emy's art. As she's honed her craft, she's found that delving into intricate details and creating her clay masterpieces is an immensely rewarding and mindful process. It's a form of art that allows her to lose herself in the creative flow, resulting in breathtaking pieces that capture the imagination.
Emy Oikawa's clay art showcases the fine details of the flower work in progress on the 'My Floral Sunshine' collaboration artwork with Anna Mollekin.
Emy's Journey Towards Success
Emy shared her journey towards becoming a successful artist. While she's been fortunate to have the support of friends and family, she acknowledged that she needed guidance on how to effectively share her art with the world. In the past year and a half, she's received the guidance she needed to showcase her work more effectively and reach a wider audience, turning her passion into a profession.
Emy Oikawa's clay art, a work in progress, up close on the 'My Floral Sunshine' collaboration artwork with Anna Mollekin.
Join Us on this Creative Journey
Intrigued by Emy's clay artistry? We invite you to join us on our creative journey. We encourage you to explore our collaboration. Her unique creations are a testament to the limitless possibilities of clay art.
Emy's story is a reminder that art can take many forms and that pursuing your true passion is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected connections. Let's continue to support and celebrate artists like Emy, who bring beauty and creativity into our lives.
Where Can I View And Buy This Artwork?
On display and available for purchase at: Toi Store, Pātaka Museum in Porirua.
Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Sun 11am-4.30pm (Closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and January 1st & 2nd)
Address: Cnr Norrie & Parumoana Streets, Porirua, NZAvailable for you to purchase online HERE
