The Japanese term Manebi ( マネビ ) is a portmanteau word that combines Manabi ( 学び ) and Mane ( 真似 ).
Manabi translates to ‘Learning’ while ‘Mane’ translates to ‘imitation’. Thus, Manebi conveys the idea that learning and imitation are, to a certain extent, one and the same. It is often said that learning through imitation can stifle creativity. My own experience is that the process of imitation draws out my creativity. Imitation is a journey during which I encounter new and innovative ideas for expression. The key is to be aware and receptive to these ideas as they arise, rather than be fixated only on the act of imitation. The following works in this series are an expression of this concept of Manebi.
Both panels show a cracked sheet of glass next to an engraved sheet of glass. The glass on the left shows the natural fissures caused by a single gunshot. I have imitated these fissure lines by engraving them on to the glass sheet in the right thus creating an artificial rendering the cut effect in the glass is obtained by acid etching, using plastic sealing to isolate the glass.

2007 / glass, LED light, iron / 100×200×90cm, 2pieces