Lepidoptera, 2003
Tomoaki Orikasa
Steel - 8'H X 8'W X 8'D
Lepidoptera is in the central concourse between Harold's Shoe Shine and the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Commissioned for the opening of our west concourse, Lepidoptera's design reflects the theme of "Taking Flight".
Born in Chiba, Japan in 1973, Tomoaki Orikasa earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1998. His creative desire is to capture and put into form transient flashes of inspiration. He intentionally uses various styles to describe his vision, emotion and messages.
"I attempt to emphasize what is most essential to me in each piece," says Orikasa about his art. "Then, I give form to it in the most appropriate style and medium. The most important thing to me is to have my own tone, not to establish a particular style. I don't feel comfortable with one particular style. I feel I would be contained by that and unable to communicate properly with viewers."
Orikasa uses non-ferric metals as his primary media, such as gold, silver, and bronze. Using various media and approaches allows a variety of colors and, in some cases, functions in his works. It also creates many options for him to fill the gap between his imagination and the work he produces.
"Lepidoptera" / Merriam-Webster.com / 2015: a large order of insects comprising butterflies, moths, and skippers.