Arch No.83, 2025

Mike Sasaki   Emerging artists

The 83rd exploration of the Arch series assumes a slim and refined form. The subtlety of the naturally variegated grain colouration is echoed in the sculpture's smooth and continuous surface. In an artistic sense, it could be said that the piece seems to almost express a "reverence" for the beauty of its mother material, the Western Red Cedar tree. 

Buffed with paste wax, which is a combination of beeswax and carnauba wax, the surface is encased with a soft, satin sheen. The light-coloured sapwood, typical of this wood species, was preserved at the top of the form to impart an additional dynamic to the work. 

The Arch series celebrates and utilizes the fundamental and structurally indispensable geometric shape that is the arch and brings to this geometry, through its smooth and sensitive forms, a human quality of charm coupled with metaphysical abstraction.

Arch No. 83 can be placed on any flat and stable surface. The shelf-size format of the piece is suitable for placement on an end table, a console, a shelf, a plinth, etc. It will work well on a wide variety of surfaces, from stone, to glass, to painted; and it will also work well with a wide variety of colour options. The piece will benefit from ample surrounding space, allowing it to visually "breathe". It could also benefit from bright light to highlight its satin sheen. Alternatively, a softer spot light could create a mellow and contemplative atmosphere around the form.

The wood forms are carved by hand using tools acquired from around the world. It is a joy to carve these pieces with sharply-tuned, good quality tools while contemplating the nature of life.

Dimensions: W 8" (20 cm) x H 5.25" (13 cm) x D 1.25" (3 cm)

The piece is signed on the bottom including the year of creation. A personalized booklet with the above description and other relevant information is included. It is designed for chest to eye level viewing. Dust with a soft cloth and keep a reasonable distance from heat sources. Ships in a well protected box.