sTo Len is the New York City Sanitation Department’s resident artist and recycles waste into art materials. Through his unique approach to printmaking, Tsunaminagashi, he focuses on bringing awareness to the pollution in the rivers of New York. In his practice, he draws influence from the Japanese print method of Suminagashi. Taking a rowboat out into the river, sTo Len patiently observes the interactions of oils and chemicals present in the water. Using his paintbrush with a delicate touch, he guides the patterns that emerge from the water’s movements. He is careful not to have too much influence, as he embraces chance and spontaneity in the water’s current. By using his paper as a canvas, sTo Len captures the momentary movements of the water.

The themes focused on in sTo Len’s art are finding beauty in the mundane and identifying human impact on the environment. He challenges conventional ideas of beauty by seeking out locations that are commonly classified as ugly or mundane. Through his artistic vision, sTo Len finds the beauty within these places and creates visually appealing artworks. He influences viewers to recognize the potential for beauty in places tainted by humans. His thought-provoking artwork confronts viewers with the consequences of human activities on natural ecosystems

sTo Len discovered his unique artistic technique after accidentally spilling ink into water, which led him to experiment with it. Shortly after he learned that his discovery aligned with the Japanese technique known as Suminagashi, which means “floating ink.” Suminagashi involves placing ink in water and allowing the natural movement of water to create intricate patterns. Inspired by Suminagashi and his focus on pollution, sTo Len reimagined this traditional style and adapted it into a process he calls “Tsunaminagashi.” Tsunami means a lot of something and nagashi means floating. Tsunami’s are a powerful force in nature and his use of the word can imply the urgency and magnitude of the environmental challenges we face. His artwork engages the inherent beauty of Suminagashi, infusing it with the narrative he works to convey.

sTo Len’s work and his fusion of tradition and modern approaches in art are important to understanding the society they were created within. His art is a powerful reflection of the environmental challenges and the role of humans in the degradation of our surroundings. He provides a distinctive and unconventional way to understand the topic of environmental sustainability. His representation engages his audience on an emotional and visual level, inspiring individuals to take action. The importance of his work becomes particularly evident in the urban environment of New York City, where the impact of human activities is often magnified. Through his art, sTo Len reconnects urban spaces to the natural world and engages his audience to reevaluate their relationship with the environment.

Sources

Len, sTo. “Printmaking.” sTo Len, www.stoishere.com/printmaking.

Overmyer, Steve. “Snapshot New York: NYC Sanitation Department’s Artist-in-Residence Sto Len Shines a Light on Environmental Issues.” CBS News, 28 Apr. 2023, www.cbsnews.com/amp/newyork/news/sto-len-artist-in-residence-new-york-city-department-of-sanitation/.