Sculptor sets a shining example

With a little bit of creativity, you can turn the most ordinary things into artistic masterpieces.

Japanese sculptor Hideki Kawabata - who has been a dedicated artist for 36 years - specialises in creating aluminium objects from everyday utensils, including kitchen appliances.

Born in Nagasaki, Kawabata, 59, has been fond of drawing and assembling from a young age. He graduated from Nambo Designer Institute in 1971 and worked as an illustrator for a record company for 15 years.

Later he became a freelance artist specialising in 2D illustrations and aluminium sculptures. Having won numerous awards, Kawabata is a well-respected figure in Japanese art circles.

'My 2D illustrations and 3D sculptures have the same style - they are cool and humorous,' he said. 'Most of my sculptures are made of metal which gives people a cold feeling. Yet, they don't look the least cold. In fact, they look very cute.

'I have also created two characters for my 2D illustrations. One of them - Doctor - is a cool man, while his assistant - Tim - is just the opposite who worries about everything. The strangest and funniest things always happen to them.'

Kawabata's first aluminium sculpture was a moving robot. Its design was based on a combination of robot, science and clock which was considered very advanced in the 1980s.

'Aluminium gives me a sci-fi feeling,' he said. 'It is also a material which is easy to source and gives off a shining effect that no other material can replace. Yet, it can be quite difficult to sculpt with aluminium.'

Kitchen appliances are among Kawabata's favourite items. For example, a robot's face can be made by using a soup ladle, with spoons becoming the mouth and ears.

Depending on the size and difficulty of the artwork, Kawabata may take between one and three months to come up with the final product. The artist said he is a fan of sci-fi movies, such as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, which provide inspiration for his projects.

Kawabata's exhibition, which features his favourite 2D and 3D artworks created over the past

30 years, is now on at Langham Place until April 6. The display also includes a unique set of aluminium sculptures comprising the 12 symbols of the western horoscope.