Motomu Oyama^[14]

Motomu Oyama is one of Japan’s leading blacksmith artists. His work constantly explores the beauty and properties of iron and is inspired by the lush nature that surrounds his home in Kumage, Japan.

Motomu stumbled upon iron work after a commission involving 3D metal work, and was so mesmerized by the beauty of iron and what could be expressed with it, that he has not stopped working with it since.

His practice continues to evolve as he experiments with the material for a deeper understanding of its properties. He says that the way iron rusts, melts and bends has not, and will never change and that he must have a flexible mind to change his perception of the material in order to create what he envisions.

What is often seen as heavy, industrial and cold, Motomu creates iron work that somehow feels elegant and soft, creating a different visual language for this ancient craft of blacksmithing.