Creating a subtle harmony between traditional lacquer and modern pop art, Someya Satoshi is garnering attention as a young artist in the field of figurative sculpture. In the present day, the border between crafts and fine art has become blurred, and more and more artists are attempting to express themselves using the materials of modern life. Yet despite this, some people still use lacquer. Compared to other materials, it is difficult, and especially very slow to work with , so why use it? When this question was put to Someya Satoshi, he answered simply: �gIf I didn�ft find the result attractive, I probably wouldn�ft use lacquer.�h

While, if engaged only on the surface level, Someya�fs creations are certainly pleasing to the eye, careful observation will reveal greater depths. In material terms, Someya unites playful decoration with the traditional artistry and craft of lacquer, just as conceptually he unites pop culture with ancient aesthetics (many of Someya�fs works are representative of a generation raised on animation).

Using a technique called Dakkanshitsu-- a traditional technique widely used in the creation of Buddha statues which allows great freedom in creating form--he creates the main part of the figure this is. First a mold in the desired shape is created, and hemp cloth is attached to the surface, and layers of lacquer are applied until it is strong, finally, the mold is removed.

Someya�fs pieces are decorated, in what appears to be an almost casual manner, with mother-of-pearl, foil, graffiti, and marks like tattoos, however, in the course of observing his artwork; the combination of the striking decorations with the unique material of lacquer, the viewer will find themselves moving from interest to fascination.

To employ advanced techniques without making a show of virtuosity is a hallmark of Japan�fs traditional craft culture. Someya�fs works, though they may appear to be of a different genre, follow this spirit. While on the surface they may appear to be simply �eattractive�f, beneath this is a high level of skill and a powerful sensibility, rooting his works in the strong traditions of this part of Japanese culture.