PRANKSTER by artist Chloe Kono

Copper, brass, 6 x 6"

This special piece was created by a Japanese metal smithing technique called Uchidashi. It is a type of "chasing metal" method where designs are created from the front of a sheet metal by hammering with of various steel punches, creating a 3-dimensional form. Combining with traditional Repoussé technique, which is usually done by pushing from the back, a dynamic image of a clown is formed.

The piece depicts a simple and silly moment of joy when a clown plays with a good old water-squirting flower pin (which actually spins!). It is intended to remind us all that we should allow ourselves to enjoy the playful parts of life, even when it is not unicorn and rainbow at all time.