■ Passing on the global environment to future generations through art by people with disabilities

This canvas has artwork printed on it, made from a fabric made from "TSUMUGI," a sustainable paper thread made from post-consumer paper resources and unused thinning wood.

As an initiative to create opportunities to consider the importance of forest, satoyama and biodiversity conservation and to realize a diverse and inclusive society, we are collaborating with Inclusive Japan, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and inclusion and is the first in Ehime Prefecture to provide employment support for people with disabilities using art and craft as a training medium. Two artists from Atelier Hikari have created artworks themed around "Mount Rokko in Kobe," which express their inspirations and feelings toward the forest, with an image of a lush green forest.

The canvas is made from fabric that takes advantage of the characteristics of paper thread and a frame made from unused thinning wood, allowing visitors to feel closer to the natural environment while also enjoying the diversity of art created by people with disabilities as interior decor.

Artist: Kei Work: "Verdigris"

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.

This work is also called "Fluid Art" or "Poling Art," and it is created by enjoying the fluidity of liquid paint, and expressing it by marbling and separating the colors without mixing together. I poured several types of green and blue paint into the work. I created it 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 it an eye-catching piece."