As the twig is bent, so grows the tree

Norio Takasugi’s first artist book As the twig is bent, so grows the tree. is published by IBASHO & the(M) éditions and focuses on silver leaf artworks.

Takasugi’s subjects are always nature related and although the photographic negative of an image remains the same, its reproduction produces subtle differences, resulting in unique pieces of work. In earlier works he had been experimenting with various analogue photographic techniques. A turning point came with his silver leaf works, where Takasugi merges classical photography with ancient Japanese craft of printmaking. Using screen printing and sulphur reactions on silver leaf, the artist creates luminous botanical and landscape images that blur the line between image and object, reproduction and uniqueness. Because of the unpredictability of the chemical reactions between the silver and the sulphur, the outcome is different every time and never perfect. Sepia tones and control strips embedded in the work serve as both aesthetic and technical markers, underscoring the handcrafted nature of each piece.

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