clay painted with acrylic gouache
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One-of-a-kind animal sculptures made with love from Japan.
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montomi is a well-known capsule toy designer who creates little animal characters that often appear round, puffy, and full of charm. She began creating in 2016, and some of her best loved capsule toy series include Pomeranians That Face Strong Wind and Shibas Who Do Not Want to Go Home. While montomi’s work is often found inside capsule toy machines, this exhibition, Little Friends Across the Sea, focuses mainly on pieces that are handmade by montomi herself. Each work is individually crafted, and hand painted with care and love in Tokyo.
Working primarily with clay and resin, montomi is devoted to making her pieces look gentle and adorable, as if they might feel soft to the touch. Her inspiration comes from pets and decorations in her childhood home. Growing up with a hamster and a parrot, she learned the value of time and affection shared with animals, while the small decorations around her felt like quiet companions watching over her, each holding an unseen story that continues to guide her creative spirit today. When montomi creates, she lets her imagination run free. She draws inspiration not only from the animals she brings to life, but also from the natural and irregular shapes of the clay itself, which often suggest the poses and personalities of her work.
Who is this little friend? What kind of personality do they have? What story might they be carrying with them? Through Little Friends Across the Sea, montomi hopes these small companions will warm your heart and invite your imagination to wander.