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ABOUT

Wool Sculptor / Artist
Terumi Ohta

My work is created through the technique of needle felting, where fibers like wool are repeatedly stabbed with specialized barbed needles to gradually take shape.
As they are stabbed, the fibers entangle, becoming stronger and firmer with every stroke. However, if pushed beyond their limit, the bonds break. The fibers tear, crumble, and can never regain their original strength.
I feel this process is a reflection of life itself. Humans grow stronger through experience. Yet, when subjected to excessive pain or hardship, the heart can quietly break, often without us even realizing it. I believe needle felting deeply resonates with the human spirit, our experiences, and the very act of living.
Captivated by the depth and expressive potential of this medium, I have dedicated myself to this art since 2012.

※Individual pet custom commisions are now closed.

( For more of my latest work please visit my Facebook, Instagram or twitter pages　@truestylelab )

Biography / Terumi Ohta

Raised in the natural landscapes of Hokkaido, she developed a unique sculptural sensibility influenced by painting, music, and ikebana. Since 2012, she has been creating lifelike felt sculptures, pursuing a strong sense of vitality and presence. From 2024, her work has centered on the theme of “Guardian Deities.” Her practice spans exhibitions in Japan and abroad, features in international magazines, and appearances on Spanish prime-time television "El Hormiguero".

【Media】 Nippon TV: NEWS ZERO (Zero Human), Burari Tochu Gesha no Tabi, Hirunandesu! (Live studio appearance) TV Asahi: Design Code Fuji TV: ONE hour Sense TV Tokyo: Ichigensan TBS: Asa-chan Tokyo MX1: TOKYO MX NEWS Tokyo MX2: Tokyo Denpa Joshi BS Asahi: Neko Inu Wide Show Radio NIKKEI: Koki Maeda no Hirakete Hiraku Spanish TV: El Hormiguero (Live studio appearance)

【Press】 Yomiuri KoDoMo Newspaper The New York Times Style Magazine (USA) House of CoCo (UK) COVER Images (UK) National Geographic Kids (UK)

【Award】 2013 ARTLABO X2013

【Exhibitions】 2013 The Renegade Craft Fair / London, UK 2014 Wonderwool Wales / Wales, UK The 9th 100 Artists Exhibition / New York, USA CREATORS GIFT SHOW / Isetan Shinjuku, Tokyo True Style Lab. Exhibition / Tamagawa Takashimaya, Tokyo 2015 CRAFT Olympia / London, UK Felting Fever at Fringe / London, UK 2016 Clair-Obscur / Paris, France Art no Hatake / Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, Tokyo 2017
GIANT MANGO SELECTION / Taipei, Taiwan Tokyo International Art Fair / Shibuya Hikarie, Tokyo 2018
Asia Contemporary Art Show / Conrad Hong Kong IFF MAGIC JAPAN / Tokyo Big Sight Mameyaka Monogatari. (Collaboration with The Woolmark Company) / Tokyu Plaza Ginza

“PURE HER”

Dates | Saturday, February 7 – Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Closed on February 24

Hours | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Closes at 6:00 PM on the final day only

Venue | Gallery, 6F, Kyoto Tsutaya Books
Organizer | Kyoto Tsutaya Books
Admission | Free
Inquiries | +81-75-606-4525
(during business hours) / kyoto.info@ttclifestyle.co.jp

◆ Reception
Saturday, February 7, from 1:00 PM
Open to all. All exhibiting artists are scheduled to attend.

The TSL's students exhibition will be held on September 24-25, 2022.
TSL's Students Exhibition

Past exhibition
『Mameyaka Monogatari』at Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Mameyaka Monogatari

ART WORKS

Each piece I work on is meticulously and entirely by hand. In order to create a truly lifelike expression, I patiently mix many colors of wool and I spend a lot of time devising ways to create the texture.
For this reason, it takes a considerable amount of time to complete a piece. In addition to three-dimensional works, I also use frames and ceramics to create completely original designs.
I also use my experience of “Ikebana” to create works of art from my own unique worldview.
I create each piece with an awareness of not only the reality on the surface, but also the invisible energy that overflows from within the work and behind the eyes.