Playing with Nature - Co-existence with Nature (February 21, 2006)

Michiko HATADA

     We the Japanese people have originally been dealing with Mother Nature by co-existing with Nature and holding love and respect toward Nature. That is why we have worshipped Nature as a God with due respect. However, since some point in the past, we have tended to think that man is superior to Nature, thinking lightly of Nature and continuing to damage  Nature. As a result, the harmony of Nature has collapsed, arousing fear in us. I wonder if the acts of God, such as typhoons and floods, are manifestation of such a phenomenon.

   Therefore, I think we need to recover love toward Nature and reconsider so that we can coexist with Nature. I feel so sorry for the people who unfortunately have been struck by a natural calamity. I think it is important for us to live at least with a spirit of mutual helpfulness, and hope to lead a peaceful life loving Nature and helping each other.

     We are surrounded by awe toward Nature, impression from natural beauty, surprise at the wonder of Nature, and tenderness of Nature. It is amazing to know how many ways we are involved in with Nature, but we rarely notice it. We take it for granted. To begin with, let's look at little flowers and grasses growing on the roadside. If you look at them carefully, they have very complex forms as well as beautiful shapes and colors. I never get bored even if I keep on gazing at them. I feel the same with flowers and grasses in my garden. All those things I have been looking at unconsciously so far begin to have some meaning. They are mountains, rivers, falls; seas; skies, clouds, woods, flowers, grasses; birds, butterflies; fishes, and nature of each of the four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter.

   I wonder if I began to look at Nature and deal with it feeling some meaning in it when I started glass art. It may be that I sensed a message from Mother Nature. If I may use an exaggerated expression, I am creating my artwork with the guidance of Nature. When I sit and visualize in front of glass material, a motif comes up in my mind and prompts me to put my hands on glass art at a breath. At times I find myself unable to settle down to work. But when the season changes and when time comes, suddenly an image pops up in my mind and helps me to get to work as if I am manipulated by something inspired. That is because I sense a message from Mother Nature and create glass artwork by reflecting it on the glass.