MANILA CLAM ART
In 2019, Yamada created a large series of painted sculptures by using the shells of the Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum). This clam is called Asari (Japanese Littleneck Clam) and very common and popular in his home nation Japan. The countless Ukiyoe paintings and woodblock prints featured the scenes of the Shiohigari (harvesting the clams during the low tide) in Japan. Shiohigari in the Spring is a really big community event for many centuries in Japan. Sadly, despite their popularity, the small and fragile clamshells of the Manila clams have not been used for the fine art or crafts unlike the Hamaguri (asian hard clam) in Japan. Nevertheless, Yamada was profoundry inspired by their gorgeous patterns and spiritural symbolism. In these artworks, Yamada expressed the mythology, cosmology, and civilizations, that were born by the humans' close affiliations with the clams.
In 2019, Yamada created a large series of painted sculptures by using the shells of the Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum). This clam is called Asari (Japanese Littleneck Clam) and very common and popular in his home nation Japan. The countless Ukiyoe paintings and woodblock prints featured the scenes of the Shiohigari (harvesting the clams during the low tide) in Japan. Shiohigari in the Spring is a really big community event for many centuries in Japan. Sadly, despite their popularity, the small and fragile clamshells of the Manila clams have not been used for the fine art or crafts unlike the Hamaguri (asian hard clam) in Japan. Nevertheless, Yamada was profoundry inspired by their gorgeous patterns and spiritural symbolism. In these artworks, Yamada expressed the mythology, cosmology, and civilizations, that were born by the humans' close affiliations with the clams.
Clam is a microcosmos of our cosmology.
- Takeshi Yamada
- Takeshi Yamada
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SHIOHIGARI (GATHERING CLAMS AT THE LOW TIDE)
MINIATURE PAINTINGS ON THE (SCULPTED) MANILA CLAM SHELLS
Yamada's Manila clam artworks were divided into groups based on their styles & time period as shown below.
SHIOHIGARI (GATHERING CLAMS AT THE LOW TIDE)
MINIATURE PAINTINGS ON THE (SCULPTED) MANILA CLAM SHELLS
Yamada's Manila clam artworks were divided into groups based on their styles & time period as shown below.
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.09.08 - 09.15. G5 31-36)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.08.31 - 09.03, G8 1-4. black cotton threads)
SHIOHIGARI (2019.08.10 - 08.25. Group G7)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.08.03B. G6-01 only)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.07.27 - 08.27. G5)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.08.06 - 08.19. G5)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.07.24 - 08.04. G5)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019. 0627- 0723)
This group of about 20 Manila clam artworks by Yamada are missing. They shall be located shortly.
This group of about 20 Manila clam artworks by Yamada are missing. They shall be located shortly.
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.0514 - )
This group of about 20 Manila clam artworks by Yamada are missing. They shall be located shortly.
This group of about 20 Manila clam artworks by Yamada are missing. They shall be located shortly.
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.05.04 - 05.13)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.05.01 - 5.10)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.04.25 - 04.28)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.04.12 - 5.12)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.04.12 - 04.15)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.04.05 - 04.24)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.04.01 - 04.07)
SHIOHIGARI (Group 2019.03.24 - 03.29. The first group.)
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Reference 1:
Drawings on papers
Idea drawings of Manila clamshell miniature paintings by Takeshi Yamada in 2019. Each paper (except the last two sheets) is 3x6 inch
Reference 1:
Drawings on papers
Idea drawings of Manila clamshell miniature paintings by Takeshi Yamada in 2019. Each paper (except the last two sheets) is 3x6 inch
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Reference 2:
In the Beginning, Yamada Created the Manila Clam Chopstick Rests
The Manila clams are small and fragile. So, they did not make good art supplies for creating the rogue taxidermy sculptures for Yamada. So, Yamada used them as his chipstick rests first. For more information and photographs, see the page of FUNCTIONAL ARTWORKS in this website.
Reference 2:
In the Beginning, Yamada Created the Manila Clam Chopstick Rests
The Manila clams are small and fragile. So, they did not make good art supplies for creating the rogue taxidermy sculptures for Yamada. So, Yamada used them as his chipstick rests first. For more information and photographs, see the page of FUNCTIONAL ARTWORKS in this website.
Single Style Manila Clam Chopstick Rest
The first one was created in 2002, when he moved to Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York City. He started dining at the local AYCE buffetrestaurants frequently. He started collecting clamshells as raw art supplies at the beach and the AYCE buffet restaurants. (Photograph: March 6, 2019)
The first one was created in 2002, when he moved to Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York City. He started dining at the local AYCE buffetrestaurants frequently. He started collecting clamshells as raw art supplies at the beach and the AYCE buffet restaurants. (Photograph: March 6, 2019)
Double Style Manila Clam Chopstick Rest
The first one was created in 2002, when he moved to Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York City. He started dining at the local AYCE buffetrestaurants frequently. He started collecting clamshells as raw art supplies at the beach and the AYCE buffet restaurants. These Manila clamshells were glued tightly at their joint in the open position, and the exterior surfaces were protected by the multiple layers of the clear gloss varnish. (Photograph: March 20, 2019)
Yamada usually wore the black suits or tuxedo on the occasion of his festive dining at the local AYCE buffet restaurants. One day, Yamada decided to paint his Manila clam chopstich rests for transforming it more festive dining utencils OR an artworks to be displayed at the art galleries and museums. Thus, the above shown large series of manila clam artworks by Yamada were born.
The first one was created in 2002, when he moved to Coney Island area of Brooklyn, New York City. He started dining at the local AYCE buffetrestaurants frequently. He started collecting clamshells as raw art supplies at the beach and the AYCE buffet restaurants. These Manila clamshells were glued tightly at their joint in the open position, and the exterior surfaces were protected by the multiple layers of the clear gloss varnish. (Photograph: March 20, 2019)
Yamada usually wore the black suits or tuxedo on the occasion of his festive dining at the local AYCE buffet restaurants. One day, Yamada decided to paint his Manila clam chopstich rests for transforming it more festive dining utencils OR an artworks to be displayed at the art galleries and museums. Thus, the above shown large series of manila clam artworks by Yamada were born.
Reference 3:
Delicious Manila Clam Dishes (1)
The cooked Manila clams with sweet (black bean) sauce is a quite comon yet very delicious dish at many All-Youk-Can-Eat (Chinese) buffet restaurants in New York City. Yamada took home the countless empty Manila shells as his raw art supplies. (Photo: Flaming Grill & Modern Buffet restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. 20190407)
Delicious Manila Clam Dishes (1)
The cooked Manila clams with sweet (black bean) sauce is a quite comon yet very delicious dish at many All-Youk-Can-Eat (Chinese) buffet restaurants in New York City. Yamada took home the countless empty Manila shells as his raw art supplies. (Photo: Flaming Grill & Modern Buffet restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. 20190407)
Delicious Manila Clam Dishes (2)
Shown below are photos of Dr. Takeshi Yamada & Seara (sea rabbit) at the Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet restaurant in Bronx borough of New York City on August 26 (Sun), 2018. The 3 dishes here contains delicious Manila clams.
NOTE: Yamada treats his dining as a public fine art performance. He created his one-of-a-kind ceremonial outfits by himself. The beautiful, fancy, and festive platings here are also by Yamada. He also brought his own silverwares, chopstick rest (his original creation), drinking & dessert glasses, some of the food serving dishes & soup bowls, artificial pink & red rose petals, and etc. For more information, visit the ART PERFORMANCES page.
Shown below are photos of Dr. Takeshi Yamada & Seara (sea rabbit) at the Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet restaurant in Bronx borough of New York City on August 26 (Sun), 2018. The 3 dishes here contains delicious Manila clams.
NOTE: Yamada treats his dining as a public fine art performance. He created his one-of-a-kind ceremonial outfits by himself. The beautiful, fancy, and festive platings here are also by Yamada. He also brought his own silverwares, chopstick rest (his original creation), drinking & dessert glasses, some of the food serving dishes & soup bowls, artificial pink & red rose petals, and etc. For more information, visit the ART PERFORMANCES page.
Delicious Manila Clam Dishes (3)
Yamada also cooked the traditional Japanese style "Asari No Osumashi (あさりのオスマシ)" or "Asari No Suimono (あさりの吸い物)" (Clear Broth with Asari clam, Cear Asari Clam Soup). He cooked the fresh alive Manila clams, that were purchased at the supermarket in the Chinatown by the Canal Street in Manhattan Borough of New York City. (Photo: 2019.03.29)
Yamada also cooked the traditional Japanese style "Asari No Osumashi (あさりのオスマシ)" or "Asari No Suimono (あさりの吸い物)" (Clear Broth with Asari clam, Cear Asari Clam Soup). He cooked the fresh alive Manila clams, that were purchased at the supermarket in the Chinatown by the Canal Street in Manhattan Borough of New York City. (Photo: 2019.03.29)
Reference 4:
Monkey's Hand Clam. 12.5 inch. rogue taxidermy artwork (sculpture) ©Takeshi Yamada. 2014. A pair of Manila Clamshells were used. Yamada created a variety of monster clams by using the manila clam, quahog clam, surf clam, razor clam, oyster, mussel, ribbed mussel, and freshwater mussel, etc. See them in the page of the Rogue Taxidermy.
Monkey's Hand Clam. 12.5 inch. rogue taxidermy artwork (sculpture) ©Takeshi Yamada. 2014. A pair of Manila Clamshells were used. Yamada created a variety of monster clams by using the manila clam, quahog clam, surf clam, razor clam, oyster, mussel, ribbed mussel, and freshwater mussel, etc. See them in the page of the Rogue Taxidermy.
Reference 5:
Spiny Clam, spiky Clam, Porcupine Clam (pearl 45mm, black 52mm) rogue taxidermy artworks (sculptures) 2019.0317 manila clamshells were used.
Spiny Clam, spiky Clam, Porcupine Clam (pearl 45mm, black 52mm) rogue taxidermy artworks (sculptures) 2019.0317 manila clamshells were used.
Reference 6: Artist's Statement
About the Manila Clam Artworks by Takeshi Yamada
In 2019, internationally active and famed Japanese-American visual artist Takeshi Yamada created a large series of miniature paintings and sculptures by using the shells of the Manila clams. This is a part of his ongoing creation of the rogue taxidermy artworks since 1960s.
In Chicago and New York city, where Yamada lived, he frequented the Chinese Aii-You-Can-Eat buffet restaurants (see Yamada's dining performances in the page ART PERFORMANCES). On such occasions, he also brought home the empty shells of the shellfish (lobster, Dungeness crab, blue crab, surf clam, quahog clam, Manila clam, oysters, sea snails, and etc.) as art supplies for creating his rogue taxidermy artworks.
Yamada was deeply inspired by the variety of beautiful patterns on the Manila clam shells at the beginning. Then, he was fascinated by the mythologies of the universal clamshell, from which the universe was born. With his investigation of the latest theories of the universe such as the Black Hole by Stephen Hawking, White Hole, and Big Bang lead him to create the physical holes on the Manila clamshells to be painted and sculpted. The String Theory of the Quantum Mechanics also led him using the actual strings on the Manila clams for unify the micro universe and the macro universe. In these artworks, Yamada expressed the mythology, cosmology, and civilizations, that were born by the humans' close affiliations with the clams.
About the Manila Clam
Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum) is also called Asian littleneck clam, Japanese carpet shell, Japanese cockle, and Japanese carpet shell here in USA. They were unintentionally introduced to the Pacific Northwest as ‘hitchhikers’ in shipments of Pacific oysters in the 1930s. Unfortunately, in USA, they are not as common or popular like the quahog clam/hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria are sold by the different names based on their size).
Manila clam is called Asari clam and very popular in his home nation, Japan. The countless Ukiyoe paintings and woodblock prints featured the scenes of the Shiohigari (harvesting the clams during the low tide) in Japan. Shiohigari in the Spring is a really big community event for many centuries in Japan. Sadly, despite their popularity, the small and fragile clamshells of the Manila clams have not been used for the fine art or crafts unlike the Hamaguri in Japan.
Note: Hamaguri clams (Japanese hard shell clam) hava been commonly used as a canvas to be painted inside in Japan traditionally. The Kaiawase (Shell Matching) was a popular ancient game among the Nobles in Heian Era. The dozens of vividly and elegantly painted matching Hamaguri clamshells in the decorative box have been a vital treasure to be passed down from the mother to her daughter in Japan. The clamshell can only match its another shell, and this symbolizes the eternal bond of the husband and wife.
Keyword: Takeshi Yamada, Japanese-American Artist, Osaka, Japan, Brooklyn, New York City, USA, Beach, Manila clam, Venerupis philippinarum, Asari, あさり, Shiohigari, 潮干狩り, miniature, painting, sculpture, art, craft, craftsmanship, AYCE buffet restaurant, environmental art, ecology, global warmimg, ice age, Maunder Minimum, mollusk, marine organism, shellfish, microcosmos, macrocosmos, Black Hole, Stephen Hawking, White Hole, Bign Bang Theory, String Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Universe,
About the Manila Clam Artworks by Takeshi Yamada
In 2019, internationally active and famed Japanese-American visual artist Takeshi Yamada created a large series of miniature paintings and sculptures by using the shells of the Manila clams. This is a part of his ongoing creation of the rogue taxidermy artworks since 1960s.
In Chicago and New York city, where Yamada lived, he frequented the Chinese Aii-You-Can-Eat buffet restaurants (see Yamada's dining performances in the page ART PERFORMANCES). On such occasions, he also brought home the empty shells of the shellfish (lobster, Dungeness crab, blue crab, surf clam, quahog clam, Manila clam, oysters, sea snails, and etc.) as art supplies for creating his rogue taxidermy artworks.
Yamada was deeply inspired by the variety of beautiful patterns on the Manila clam shells at the beginning. Then, he was fascinated by the mythologies of the universal clamshell, from which the universe was born. With his investigation of the latest theories of the universe such as the Black Hole by Stephen Hawking, White Hole, and Big Bang lead him to create the physical holes on the Manila clamshells to be painted and sculpted. The String Theory of the Quantum Mechanics also led him using the actual strings on the Manila clams for unify the micro universe and the macro universe. In these artworks, Yamada expressed the mythology, cosmology, and civilizations, that were born by the humans' close affiliations with the clams.
About the Manila Clam
Manila Clams (Venerupis philippinarum) is also called Asian littleneck clam, Japanese carpet shell, Japanese cockle, and Japanese carpet shell here in USA. They were unintentionally introduced to the Pacific Northwest as ‘hitchhikers’ in shipments of Pacific oysters in the 1930s. Unfortunately, in USA, they are not as common or popular like the quahog clam/hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria are sold by the different names based on their size).
Manila clam is called Asari clam and very popular in his home nation, Japan. The countless Ukiyoe paintings and woodblock prints featured the scenes of the Shiohigari (harvesting the clams during the low tide) in Japan. Shiohigari in the Spring is a really big community event for many centuries in Japan. Sadly, despite their popularity, the small and fragile clamshells of the Manila clams have not been used for the fine art or crafts unlike the Hamaguri in Japan.
Note: Hamaguri clams (Japanese hard shell clam) hava been commonly used as a canvas to be painted inside in Japan traditionally. The Kaiawase (Shell Matching) was a popular ancient game among the Nobles in Heian Era. The dozens of vividly and elegantly painted matching Hamaguri clamshells in the decorative box have been a vital treasure to be passed down from the mother to her daughter in Japan. The clamshell can only match its another shell, and this symbolizes the eternal bond of the husband and wife.
Keyword: Takeshi Yamada, Japanese-American Artist, Osaka, Japan, Brooklyn, New York City, USA, Beach, Manila clam, Venerupis philippinarum, Asari, あさり, Shiohigari, 潮干狩り, miniature, painting, sculpture, art, craft, craftsmanship, AYCE buffet restaurant, environmental art, ecology, global warmimg, ice age, Maunder Minimum, mollusk, marine organism, shellfish, microcosmos, macrocosmos, Black Hole, Stephen Hawking, White Hole, Bign Bang Theory, String Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Universe,
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