| |
Toshio Sumi was
educated at Tama Art College and majored in sculpture.
He started to make kaleidoscopes in 1985 without
knowledge of the kaleidoscope renaissance in the
US.
Toshio Sumi makes metal kaleidoscopes with mechanical
devices such as gears and motors for easier turning
of the object chambers.
They look like gadgets or clocks and give a rather
cool impression on the outside, however the inside
images provoke different feelings, which the artist
finds very interesting.
Unpredictable results always intrigue him.
He still remembers his excitement with the first
kaleidoscope he made at school and the watch he
took apart in his childhood.
He is also interested also in the reflections of
triple mirrors. Now he makes several limited editions
and affordable open editions.
There is an episode that shows his warm personality.
His mother loves his works very much and when she
was hospitalized, Sumi started creating a scope
for her with a solar system so that she could enjoy
it without turning the end while lying in bed.
However, when it was finally completed she had gotten
well and left the hospital.
He is also very active in giving scope making classes
and is promoting the enjoyment of kaleidoscopes
for every generation. |
|
|
|
