About the artwork

A traditional wooden storage house set within the rice field landscape of Matsunoyama is transformed into a sanctuary like botanical,reflective, glassy environment. One enters into the secret like space that echoes an apothecary, a laboratory, are a botanical museum. It is also a shot bar where one drinks the elixirs / juices of local plants distilled in shochu. The wooden walls around the tiny space are veiled with glass panels inscribed with drawings and texts derived from antique medicinal botanical books. The work informs and restores a tradition and knowledge of plant medicines in this region bringing it into a contemporary art experience. I wanted to make a work that drew one into and created awareness of the beauty and richness of this landscape and culture that has traditionally been a part of it. I found working with the local people to be an enriching and enjoyable experience.