Sayaka Kajita Ganz is a wonderful artist turning reclaimed objects and scrap metals into unique and flowing pieces of art. The Japanese-born Ganz currently resides in Wayne, Indiana and her influence by nature is shown throughout her dramatic work. Taking something that some may consider trash and turning it into something beautiful is quite a talent she has mastered quite well. A few of her pieces are definitely ispired by the sea including “Deep Sea” and “Plunge.”
Here is what she has to say about her art and style:
My working process is reminiscent of my experiences growing up in several different countries, of being disconnected from the place I was born. Then, I began searching for a new community where I truly belong. I find discarded objects from peoples’ houses and give them a second life, a new home. For my sculptures I use plastic utensils, toys and metal pieces among other things. I only select objects that have been used and discarded. The human history behind these objects gives them life in my eyes. My goal is for each object to transcend its origins by being integrated into an animal form that seems alive. This process of reclamation and regeneration is liberating to me as an artist.
By building these sculptures I try to understand the human relationships that surround me. It is a way for me to contemplate and remind myself that even if there is conflict right now, there is a way for all the pieces to fit together. That even if some people don’t feel at home here and now, there is a place where they belong and that they will eventually find it.
