Junko Mori

Artist Statement: 

I am always drawn to the visual impact of an assembly of 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. 

I found physical repetitive process meditative. I often loose my sense of time and surprise myself by seeing a pile of components have been done. Repetition is for me a representation of time and also to create a platform for organic shapes to be developed on.  

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. 

My eyes are constantly searching for oddness in the robotic order my hands unconsciously created.  More unique flows and uncontrollable fights against the tides makes me thrilled to develop its forms.  

Name of art work:

Cell; Textured twisted leaves / small wall hanging 

Thoughts about the art work: 

The Cell: small wall hanging series begun in 2001. I weld many steel components without designing final outcome, therefore I often end up with left-overs. I decided to create small wall hangings with them, and there were wall full of this Cells hanging all over my studio. This very much accidental installation of 100 wall hangings were exhibited at Jerwood Applied Arts Prize later on. So far, created over 1200 of them; none of them are same, very much unique individuals like us.  

Describe the process; who, what, why, where, when, how and with what help:

I focus on how the process of hammering can transform cold, hard, mild steel into something that appears soft, moving and organic. I am drawn to the visual impact of an assembly of multiple, small, components. I am motivated by the infinite possibilities of their assemblage and inspired by the vital power beyond the physical space they create as an amalgamation. I often find myself in a meditative state when working on a repetitive task such as forging. My brain experiences emptiness - allowing me the time to develop my overriding concept. I rarely have a preconceived design before assembling the thousands of steel components; instead I build up the sculpture, piece by piece and even repeat little accidents like a mutation within cells. As the work grows in front of me, I feel as if I am helping it to emerge, rather than creating it.

Short biography:

Born in Yokohama, Japan in 1974. Throughout childhood, Junko was fascinated by "how things grow". Observations of pond water through a microscope formed the origins of her concept. Having graduated from Musashino Art University, Tokyo in 1997, she became a welding assistant to a fabricator. Metalworking skills obtained during this period naturally led to an increase in confidence, encouraging her to enrol on the Silversmithing & Metalworking BA at Camberwell College of Arts, London in 1998. Her core concept, “growing forms through repetition” evolved around graduation in 2000. She simplified her practice and developed more sculptural forms through using traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as forging and hammering. The first series developed was titled 'Propagation Project'; it is still evolving with her today. Having received a grant to be a part of the NEXT MOVE Scheme supported by the Arts Council UK, Junko became an artist residence at Liverpool Hope University in 2001. She then started working in silver with the support of Sheffield's Assay Office. Junko set up her first studio in Manchester in 2003. Currently she lives in the remote countryside of the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales, where she is totally surrounded by inspirational nature.