Meech Miyagi is a sculptor who expresses observations of nature and explores established constructs of society. Miyagi, weaves copper wire into forms that resemble the mechanism of bacterial colonies. A bacterial colony operates in a symbiotic relationship, one that relies on a beneficial or detrimental exchange. Metaphorically, these studies represent the creation, effect, and role of belief systems from around the world.

A native of Sacramento, Meech Miyagi earned his MA from Sacramento State University. In addition to exhibiting across the Sacramento region, Miyagi has shown in San Francisco and Philadelphia. His recent work can be viewed at Shimo Gallery and Robert Matsui Gallery in Sacramento City Hall through October and December respectively. Currently Miyagi is a part-time instructor at California

State University, Sacramento and resides on his ranch and studio in Auburn, California.

Statement

My recent work is derived from current research in neurobiology, specifically functions of the insula and the amygdala. Tissue wrapped sticks are used to signify the completion of a cycle and transformation. The stick or branch carries a history demonstrated in the growth rings of the cross section. Paper is the product of process originating from a tree. The act of wrapping the stick with paper is time intensive , painstaking process that creates a new entity and refers to a cycle of transformation. The line quality of each stick is a visual depiction life circumstance. I use the figure and the form of the vortex to describe the action and affect of belief systems on the individual and consequently society.

My second body of work incorporates an exploration of perception. I work with a created, meaningless text written on tracing paper to reference belief systems. The paper is heated till the ink quality changes. The paper becomes scorched in the process. Phrases ebb and flow as within the mind and depicted by the patterning of the text on the tracing paper. Beliefs are applied to life circumstance appearing to be logically applied in a somewhat erroneous manner. I write phrases in individual sentence and patterns, then burn/cut each out with a cigarette and collage them on to another piece of tracing paper to reference process and activity. The topic of application is the inquiry of this body of work. The text is invented and means nothing. The application of heat or fire is representational of permanent change or transformation. The benefit of the scorched appearance of the paper is it give the reference of something ancient, and subconsciously, of validity. The overall reference is to the mechanisms of a created belief system, The manner of application of the work on tracing paper is to demonstrate a particular circumstance. One example of application is the text is displayed on 10 to 14 foot long by 10 and 18inch wide scrolls. The scrolls are suspended randomly from the ceiling with a small gap to each side and about a foot front to back at the entrance of a gallery. The viewer must contact the scrolls to enter the gallery and can see other viewers through the gaps and well as in distortion through the translucent paper.

I am currently working with copper wire and studying the visual mechanics of bacterial colonies. The choice of copper wire is in consideration of the electrochemical and neurological systems of the body. My interest in bacterial colonies is in the unseen activity and effect. The bacterial relationships of intrigue are the categories of symbiosis. These relationships can be beneficial or detrimental. I am forming the wire using the visual mechanics of the colonies and the surrounding tissue cells (the human being). My thoughts have equated the activity and relationships of microscopic organisms to the creation and effect of belief systems. The blanket form is being used as all peoples have and use blankets and the form carries multiple connotations that can illicit an internal physical response from the viewer.

I am depicting circumstance of the experience of being human, the experience common to all people eliminating the particularities of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and so forth. My thought are generated from a post global view in which the theme of identity has been the focus. The consideration is to find and denote the commonalities between all peoples. I admit the view presented is a product of personal perspective. My work is the residue of social noticing, thought, and dialogue. I hope my work will precipitate question and further dialogue. It is my belief that in this dialogue is where the purest art resides.