co-labs
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2014
In collaboration with Maki Tamura
MadCampus, a project in collaboration with MadArt Seattle and the University of Washington
Concrete, Metal, Wood, Cotton, Paint
In the Cascara Circle at the Medicinal Herb Garden, Saya and Maki present concrete tree stumps of various sizes, reminiscent of old growth forest that once covered the grounds of the University of Washington. These stumps not only function as tables and benches, but also include several “grafted” branches of live plants. Echoing the wooden monkey gate on site, colorful fabric panels hang over the visitors’ heads, depicting inquisitive monkeys engaging in gardening and practicing pharmacognosy (the study of medicines derived from natural sources). Along with the petrified stumps, the installation offers a lyrical interpretation of the history of the university and garden.
Photo credit James Harnois
2011
Maki Tamura, Nicholas Nyland and Saya Moriyasu
"A Clearing in the Clouds," - our collaboration at the ACT Theatre windows in Seattle in the spring of 2011 is the starting point for this print project. The diverse influences acting upon the local cultural ecology - Asian and Northwest Coast Indian art, jet-age Modernism, and the NW mystics - have continued to be our inspiration. We designed the "Northwest chinoiserie" pattern - oversized, invasive blackberries ramble about cloud-lofted space needles and cottages adorned with orca whales.
Photo credit Amanda Ringstad
a special project by Matthew Offenbacher and Yoko Ott
Saya Moriyasu and Charles Tung
Assistant Professor, English and Women’s Studies, Seattle University
for the Hedreen Gallery at Seattle University
January – March, 2010
Bloom and Collapse
curated by
Susanna Bluhm and Amanda Manitach
collaborative work by seven pairs of artists who have come together to address concepts of decay, fragmentation and decomposition.
February 2011, SOIL Gallery, Seattle, WA
Dusty and Ashley
Elise Richman and Saya Moriyasu
clay, plaster and paint
Photo credit Amanda Manitach
Gallery4Culture, box set edition, 2006
In collaboration with Dirk Park’s Olivianna Press, this is a box set of prints and a porcelain sculpture inspired by Japanese products that come in wooden boxes. These are the preliminary unique edition, one full set and individual 8”x8” prints are available. The works was inspired by the experience of fine dining and waiters as observers of other people’s lives.
photo credit Steven Miller.