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 words. At Gallery Watts where I work, we see art as "something that appeals to individual sensibilities, broadens a person's horizons, allows them to think deeply about things, and cultivates spiritual richness." Therefore, we believe that there are elements of art not only in paintings and sculptures, but also in food, clothing, shelter, and other things related to daily life.

10watts field &gallery is filled with the essence of "lifestyle x art." The location and old building make it a hideaway gallery that will make you think, "Huh? Here?"

When you find a small iron sign quietly standing in front of the entrance of an old building, go up to the third floor. There is no elevator. You may hesitate for a moment whether it is okay to open this 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 think, "I'm glad I came!"
The items on display are from a variety of eras, countries, and tastes. But they are sure to excite you, as they show you the owner's unique standards.

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

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

Impressions 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 (that makes a rattling sound when shaken) was made 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 is able to effortlessly combine items like this, making the shop even more interesting.

There was a unique bird sculpture, which I asked about and found out was the work of the owner, Takeshi Awaya.

Awaya is also active as an artist under the name "chikuni." "Chikuni" means "tree" in the Ainu language, and she chose the name because she wanted to create something that would take root firmly in the ground, grow into a large tree, bloom, and bear 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 items such as lighting and tables that combine old wood and iron.

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

"Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, the Yokohama area where I live went through planned power outages. When I saw the sparse lights, I realized that the lights had been too bright up until then. I also realized the beauty of the dim but calm 10W lights, and I thought that even if we can't go to 10W, if we just reduce the wattage of our light bulbs, everyone can contribute to environmental energy."

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

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

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

The speakers are adorable too. They look like a dwarf could live there. By opening and closing the small door, the sound spread changes. The quality of the sound also changes depending on the quality of the wood.

There were also music CDs in the store.

"I have had the opportunity to be involved in the creation of 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 "Haruka Nakamura & Aoba Ichiko Ryusei" live show in 2012.

Apparently Aoba Ichiko was a fan of this spherical mobile by Chikuni and it often appeared at her live performances.

Previously, when he proposed a project on the theme of "spheres" to several artists, a variety of works came out, including one that went beyond the sphere that Awaya had imagined, such as a round plate seen from directly above as a sphere. It was really interesting to see how different people perceived it, so he is planning a "Continuation of Spheres" exhibition in May. I'm looking forward to it.

10watts field & gallery displays only items that have touched Awaya's heart, regardless of whether they are Eastern or Western, traditional or contemporary, and that have the character of the materials, the form, or the traces of the human hand.
The objects and everyday items all resonate with each other to create a comfortable atmosphere.

First, try displaying or using things that inspire you. Then, dig deep into your own feelings and find out why you are drawn to them. Rather than understanding them intellectually, I think that if you grasp the feeling that resonates with your heart, art will become more familiar to you.
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 plenty of clues scattered throughout.

(Interviewed in February 2020)

Gallery Information
10watts field & gallery
Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, Naka Ward, Ogimachi 3-8-7 Sanpei Building 301
TEL: 045-273-1944
Opening hours: 13:00-17:00, 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: "Continued Sphere" Exhibition
https://www.chiku-ni.com/

"access"
▶︎About 7 minutes walk from JR Kannai Station