Misato Sano‘s studio, located in Miyagi, is filled with wooden offcuts, heavy timber, woodworking tools, and ample natural light. The artist has dedicated several years to sculpting expressive dog figures, continuously expanding her collection with unique characters.
A recurring theme in Sano’s work is self-portraiture, with each dog reflecting different facets of her personality, from timid and nervous to joyful and playful. “Visualizing my inner self through expressions and gestures full of charm and humor has also become an opportunity to deepen my self-love,” she explains.
Sano’s woodcarving is defined by her unique style, employing dimpled surfaces that mimic various dog coat textures and enhance color variation when oil paint is applied. Using camphor wood, she exaggerates features like limbs, tufts of fur, and nails, adding a playful touch to her sculptures.
The engaging textures and whimsical designs in her work have also influenced her embroidery and illustration efforts. Through meditative stitches and repetitive ink drawings, Sano extends her personal exploration.
This year is set to be eventful for Sano. Her work will be showcased in a duo exhibition at the Kan Hai Art Museum in Taiwan later this month. In August, her pieces will travel to the U.S. for Nucleus Portland‘s 10th anniversary exhibition, followed by a show at Igoone Arai in Miyagi, Japan. Follow her artistic journey on Instagram.
