The assembling of forged and cast metal is the key to Junko Mori’s work, whether mild steel or almost pure silver. Her observations of tree and plant matter are the driving force behind many of her sculptures which vary in scale from small objects in precious metal through to fairly massive welded steel works of art.
“I am always drawn to the visual impact of an aggregate assembled with many small components: I find infinite possibilities of the form multiplied by the vital power beyond the physical space, such as cell division through the microscope.
My work consists of multiples of individually forged steel or other metals, and the subtle difference of each piece results from hand hammering. No piece is individually planned but becomes fully formed within the making and thinking process. Repeating little accidents, like the mutation of cells, the final accumulation of units emerges within the process of evolution. The uncontrollable beauty is the core of my concept.”
