In his recent body of work “Lost Ceremony,” artist & photographer, Adam Marelli asks why are ancient traditions worth preserving? To explore this concept, he worked inside of the studios of Japan’s most notable craftsmen to understand the link between belief and practice. To his surprise, Marelli discovered that in spite of the Japanese craftsmen’s distinguished histories, each generation must prove themselves, not only to stand up to history, but to deserve a place in the future. If a master craftsman hopes to leave a legacy, they must examine themselves artistically, philosophically, and practically every step of the way. In the end, craft is simply a tool for unlocking the mystery of a meaningful existence.
“The paradox of balancing the past with the future is the invisible force that lies at the heart of the Japanese craftsman.”
–Adam Marelli
In his recent body of work “Lost Ceremony,” artist & photographer, Adam Marelli asks why are ancient traditions worth preserving? To explore this concept, he worked inside of the studios of Japan’s most notable craftsmen to understand the link between belief and practice. To his surprise, Marelli discovered that in spite of the Japanese craftsmen’s distinguished histories, each generation must prove themselves, not only to stand up to history, but to deserve a place in the future. If a master craftsman hopes to leave a legacy, they must examine themselves artistically, philosophically, and practically every step of the way. In the end, craft is simply a tool for unlocking the mystery of a meaningful existence.
“The paradox of balancing the past with the future is the invisible force that lies at the heart of the Japanese craftsman.”
–Adam Marelli