The eldest son of the 10th Ohi Chozaemon. Currently a visiting professor at Rochester Institute of Technology and a member of the Japan Inter-Design Forum.

Ohi Toshio Profile

1958年

Born as the eldest son of the 10th Ohi Chozaemon.

1981年

Graduated from the Department of Arts, College of Humanities at Tamagawa University

1983年

Teaching assistant at Boston University

1984年

Complete graduate education at Boston University

1985年

Lecturer at Boston University

1989年

Visiting lecturer at Rochester Institute of Technology

1998年

Ordained as priest at Gesshinji temple (Kanazawa) Bestowed with the honorary title of Taigen Otsuki

A Message from Toshio Ohi

• In our modern world where we are unable to apply plasterwork techniques, in the true sense of the term, without actually constructing a castle or building a teahouse, I believe there are methods for applying such techniques in meaningful fashion.
• A deeply meaningful part of the efforts of young artisans to develop their art is the realization that these are traditional techniques from generations ago, and the first method lies in learning and acquiring these skills and techniques. The second of the two methods lies in the way in which these techniques can be engaged in art by artisans who have mastered them.
• These days, such techniques and skills are actually seldom sought after, and we live in a world where form itself is sufficient. We are loosing our sense of feeling for the depth of materials when actually touched and the presence they would have if actually erected. The techniques of plaster art capture these elements, and I believe that our work lies in fulfilling this task.
  (Taken from the judges' comments at the 2nd Plaster Art Competition)