These are some of the characteristics that inform my work, things which are recognized by people who know me and my work:

• The antique/familiar alongside the new/unusual
• A fusion of elements from both East and West
• Evocation of the meditative qualities of Zen
• Simplicity, practicality and multi-purpose functionality
• A presentation that appeals to the senses
• Interior sense of humour, playfulness, joy, goodwill
• Organic forms derived from Nature
• A contemporary feel, embedded in a sense of timelessness

Many of these qualities are bound up in my native culture. Coming from a Japanese background, I feel myself moving between the austere beauty of ancient Japanese tradition (e.g. the ceremonies associated with Shinto and Buddhist temples) as well as the dazzling sights and sounds of the contemporary world (e.g. the Shibuya district of Tokyo).

Here in Brisbane, my base for over fifteen years now, I see similar qualities in urban design. Because we live in semi-tropical beauty and experience intense sunshine, we try to bring the natural world into our homes. We create indoor gardens, with plants and glass surfaces. These enable us to feel at one with Nature. The celebration of the natural world forms the core of my thinking, whether I am contemplating making furniture, public art, gardens, craftwork, or even in my cuisine.

Fukutoshi UENO