Paper Mache is strong and versatile, allowing the creation
of unique and imaginative sculptural objects.

Hitomi Oikawa was born and studied in Mizusawa, North Japan and initially worked in Tokyo before moving to and becoming resident in the United Kingdom. Having done sculptural work for over 10 years in various media including clay, Hitomi now specialises in the creation of wild and domestic animals from paper mache. Hitomi is inspired by a 1000 year old Japanese tradition of paper and paper mache making and uses many techniques unchanged over centuries. Originally utilised in China to construct warrior’s helmets and much later in19th century England to manufacture chairs, there is no doubting the strength and durability of the material. Hitomi as a modern adaptation, incorporates a strong wire-frame skeleton and, after sculpting the model, utilises durable acrylic paint. Each model is unique, portraying a living, moving animal, and capturing SHOGAI, the Japanese word meaning LIFE. Examples of Hitomi's designs include:

farm animals

birds & seabirds

cats

dogs

wild animals & wildlife