In his sculptures, Hideaki draws upon techniques learned from his father Honma Kazuaki, an extraordinarily gifted and respected bamboo artist. All bamboo artists confront considerable obstacles in establishing their individual artistic expression, but the challenges are even more so with having such an accomplished father. The arduous process of learning how to form well-crafted bamboo baskets and sculpture always involves painstakingly learning the basic techniques over several years, and by making copies of the teacher’s work. Then, like an adolescent severing the secure family bonds, starting to break away, using their skills in new ways. Hideaki’s diligent pursuit of drawing as a starting point for creating his sculpture is a key element in his artistic maturation. He succeeds in establishing his independent voice through his passionate love of bamboo, his mastery of techniques, and a strong determination to communicate his life and world through the bamboo medium. Robert T. Coffland
Silence 2004, 15 x 9 1/2 x 30 inches (right) Page 6: Shore II 1995, 20 x 10 x 37 inches
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