■ Aiming for sustainable forest conservation, local governments, companies, and organizations collaborate to devise upcycled products together with consumers
Thinning, in which some trees are cut down depending on the density of the forest and encourage the healthy growth of the remaining trees, also helps forests fulfill their functions, such as preventing landslides and preserving biodiversity.
Thinned timber is used for construction materials and other purposes, but much of it is left abandoned in the mountains due to issues such as the cost of transporting it and its shape.
Creating a sustainable cycle of thinning and reforestation is important for forest conservation, and for that reason promoting the utilization of thinned materials has become a nationwide issue.
■ Product Overview
This canvas is made from the upcycled material "TSUMUGI." The frame is also made from unused thinned wood from Kobe City.
The products come in two types: blank canvases that you can paint on yourself, and canvases printed with artwork.
The blank canvases can be used at home or at events. While experiencing the texture of "TSUMUGI," participants will have the opportunity to think about environmentally friendly materials and their backgrounds as they paint on the eco-friendly materials.
The artwork was created in collaboration with Inclusive Japan, a non-profit organization that is a member of Upcycle General Incorporated Association and which promotes "diversity and inclusion" by using art to support continued employment for people with disabilities. The artwork was inspired by the lush green forests of Mount Rokko and other mountains in Kobe City, and expressed the artists' inspirations and feelings about forests.
Product name
Paper thread canvas (plain)
size
A5, thickness 1.8cm
price
2,990 yen (tax included)
country of origin
Japan
Product name
Paper thread canvas (art print)
<About the artist and his work>
Kei
I have been using Hikari Atelier since November 2018.
I use a variety of techniques, including colored pencils, acrylic paints, watercolor paints, and collage. I also use tsumami zaiku and mizuhiki zaiku. Some pieces are intricately drawn, while others are boldly layered with color. I give form to whatever comes to mind at any given moment, or whatever moves me.
"Verdigris"
This piece is also called "Fluid Art" or "Poling Art" and is created by enjoying the fluidity of liquid paint, and expressing it by making the colors marble and separate without mixing together. I poured several types of green and blue paint into the piece. I created this piece with the image of the lush forest of Rokko and the sunlight filtering through the trees. I think the patterns that emerged by chance and the vividness of the green make this a very eye-catching piece.
size
A4, thickness 1.8cm
price
3,990 yen (tax included)
country of origin
Japan
Product name
Paper thread canvas (art print)
<About the artist and his work>
・Natsumi Umeoka
I have been using Hikari Atelier since September 2017.
I combine various motifs, such as my favorite fruits and flowers, or things I find on the internet, to create original works with happy shapes and colorful colors. I sketch with pencil, outline with marker, and color with colored pencils and pens.
I also make origami and collage works. I also paint with acrylic paints. I also think about the title of the work.
"My favorite green forest"
I combined my favorite things and tried my hand at acrylic paint.
It's my beloved green forest, trees🌲, flowers🔴, and a heart♥ that represents my loving feelings.
I worked hard on how to use the brush. I would love to live in a forest like this.
size
A4, thickness 1.8cm
price
3,990 yen (tax included)
country of origin
Japan
