The relationship between art and life that makes life more enjoyable

Kanagawa Gallery Walk
File.12 10watts field &gallery
Yamamoto Shino (Gallery Watts)

"What is art?" "Art is difficult"... I often hear such things. At Gallery Watts, where I work, we see art as something that appeals to individual sensibilities, broadens one's perspective, allows one to think deeply about things, and cultivates spiritual richness. Therefore, we believe that elements of art can be found not only in paintings and sculptures, but also in the things that are related to daily life, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

10watts field & gallery is filled with the essence of "lifestyle x art." It's a hidden gallery that makes you think, "Huh? Here?", both in terms of its location and the old building.

Once you find a small iron sign quietly standing in front of the entrance to an old building, head up to the third floor. There is no elevator. You may hesitate for a moment wondering if it is okay to open the door (lol), but the entrance is a black door with a small handle.

Once you muster up the courage to open the door, you'll find a pleasant space that will make you instantly think, "I'm glad I came!"
The items on display range from various eras, countries, and tastes, but they are sure to excite you with the sense that "this shop is made according to the owner's standards."

I was strangely drawn to an old blown glass spoon from France. It's plain, yet somehow charming.

While looking at the tables, which are decorated with the charm of antique items such as glass, white porcelain, and pewter, I suddenly glanced at the wall and saw something that caught my eye.
I got closer, wondering if it had been excavated somewhere in Europe, and discovered it was a work by Takazato Chiyo, who I had previously interviewed for Magcul.
*Editor's note: See here!

The impression will vary from person to person, but although there is an air of ennui, when you look closely you can see a delicate beauty and feel a sense of poetry...that's why I really like Takasato's work.

Among the Asian antiques lined up on the shelves, a large black stone-like ceramic piece (which makes a rattling sound when shaken) is by a contemporary artist. It is also accompanied by a black stone that the owner picked up in the river. The owner's sensitivity shines through in the way he effortlessly combines such items, making the shop even more fascinating.

There was a unique bird sculpture, and when I asked, I found out it was the work of the shop owner, Takeshi Awaya.

Awaya also works as an artist under the name "chikuni." "Chikuni" means "tree" in the Ainu language, and she chose the name because she aspires to be an artist who takes firm root in the ground, grows into a large tree, blooms, and bears fruit (artworks).

Awaya originally worked for a company, designing commercial interiors, but about 10 years ago he opened his own shop and began making interior design items such as lighting and tables made from recycled wood and iron.

Chikuni's standard lighting. Most of the light bulbs use 10W. In fact, the store name "10watts" is connected to this. The sound of "watts" also gives it a sense of familiarity (lol).

"Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, the Yokohama area where I live was subject to planned power outages. When I saw the sparse lights and the scenery, I realized that I had been using too much light up until then. I also realized the beauty of the dim yet serene 10W light bulbs, and I thought that even if we can't go all 10W, anyone can contribute to environmental energy by simply lowering the wattage of their light bulbs."

These are small but beautiful things that are like the 10Ws. Since opening her shop, Awaya has become more aware of the things she wants to cherish.

"I think it's something I picked up while I was working in the interior design field, but I like things that are both practical in everyday life and beautiful on their own."

At first glance it looks like a music stand, but this is also a piece that symbolizes chikuni, and the idea of displaying books like art is wonderful.

The speakers are adorable too. They look like they could be inhabited by a dwarf. By opening and closing the small door, the sound spread changes. Apparently, the quality of the wood also affects the sound quality.

There were also music CDs in the store.

"I've also been involved in creating live spaces for musicians such as Haruka Nakamura, Ichiko Aoba, and Teru Uchida."

Awaya says that the first time he wanted to create lighting for someone else was during the 2012 live performance of "Haruka Nakamura & Aoba Ichiko Ryusei."

Aoba Ichiko was so fond of this spherical mobile by chikuni that it often appeared at her live shows.

Previously, when Awaya proposed a project on the theme of "spheres" to several artists, a variety of works emerged, going beyond the framework of what a sphere might be, such as a round plate seen from directly above as a sphere. It was fascinating to see how different people's interpretations were, so he is planning a "Continuation of Spheres" exhibition in May. We are looking forward to it.

10watts field & gallery displays only items that catch Awaya's attention, regardless of whether they are from the East or the West, or whether they are traditional or contemporary, and that capture the natural flavor of the materials, the form, or the traces of the human hand.
The objects and everyday items all resonate with each other, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

First, try displaying or using things that inspire you. Then, delve into your own senses and find out why you are drawn to them. Rather than understanding them intellectually, I think art will become more accessible if you grasp the feeling that resonates with your heart.
It is precisely because we live in a world where there are no correct answers that we can demonstrate our own standards.
When you visit 10watts field & gallery, you'll find lots of clues scattered throughout.

(Interviewed in February 2020)

Gallery Information
10watts field & gallery
Sanpei Building 301, 3-8-7 Ogimachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
TEL: 045-273-1944
Opening hours: 13:00-17:00 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday only
Parking: None
During the permanent exhibition, antiques and works by artists are on display and for sale.
Special exhibitions are held several times a year
May “Continue Sphere” Exhibition
https://www.chiku-ni.com/

"access"
▶︎Approx. 7-minute walk from JR Kannai Station