This Week We Invite: Sosho Koike (Kats)
I have been creating Ikebana for 6 years, and am now a master in the school of Sogetsu Ikebana. I received 2nd place in an international competition and am constantly seeking to create contemporary, minimal pieces in the sphere of Japanese Ikebana flower arranging. My focus is not so much flowers but any living materials, whose power I can utilize to create my pieces.
Ten Questions
Describe a typical day in a couple of sentences? My day starts very early in the morning, around 4 a.m, a bicycle ride through Osaka city, and I work until 3 p.m. After that I always go to Osaka Castle Park, and look at the plants and greenery for ideas.
In your studio – what’s the first thing you see? (be honest- I can see an empty packet of chocolate digestives!) I don't have a formal studio space! I always make my pieces at home, which is not so big, so the first thing that you can see is a mess!
Which artist living or dead would you like to meet and why? Ryoji Koie, Tetsunori Kawana, Taizo Kuroda and Andy Goldsworthy. Ryoji Koiei once told me some very wise words (which I can't share!), and I came across some of his work at the Leach Pottery, and bought it all! I'd love to meet Andy Goldsworthy as I find his work fascinating. I really respect Kawana san's way of thinking.
Cats or dogs? Cats, without a doubt. I used to have a cat, and he is still is part of my family, for which I am always thankful.
Name your idle pleasure? Soaking in a bath for a long time. Drinking beer in the park and contemplating my work, and, of course, chilling in my futon.
Sosho Koike
Recommend a book?I don't read any books!
Tell us a surprising thing about you? I can't come up with anything for this!
What helps you to focus? Music
What new venture are you planning? I hope to do an Ikebana photo shoot with the music dj, The Magician.
What are you looking forward to in the next year This year, I will once again be doing some workshops at The Newlyn art Gallery in Cornwall and The New Craftsman Gallery in St. Ives and next year I am hoping to do a collaboration with the artist Jessica Cooper. While in Cornwall you can find me working under the name of "Kats"
Find Out More About
If you want to explore Sosho Koike's work in more detail please go to: sosho_koike on Instagram.
Welcome to Creative Currents. A series of blog interviews with artists, designers and makers from the Southwest where I take a dive into their world for a day. Kicking off this months blog with Katie Bunnell a member of Terra Mater Art based in St Austell, Cornwall.