An exhibition of paper clay works created by a former elementary school teacher who is battling muscular dystrophy, an incurable progressive disease that causes muscle atrophy throughout the body, is being held in Hino City, Tokyo. This event was opened by Kazuya Uchida, a former elementary school teacher living in Hino City, who hopes to convey to children the importance of not giving up through an exhibition of paper clay works that he worked hard to create while battling muscular dystrophy.
Mr. Uchida, now 67 years old, developed muscular dystrophy when he was in his 50s and was working as a teacher.The symptoms progressed and he was forced to retire at the age of 57, but he continues to teach art classes. For the past three years, I have been working on creating paper clay works that can be made using the power of my fingertips.
More than 60 items based on Japanese folk tales and Grimm's fairy tales will be on display at the venue, with details such as leaves and insects being colorfully expressed.
A 2nd grade elementary school boy who saw the work said, ``I think it's amazing that it's all handmade.''
A female student in the first year of junior high school said, ``I respect the fact that even though she has an incurable disease, she is still able to create such realistic works.It gave me a lot of energy.''
Mr. Uchida, who responded to the interview, said, ``I can't hear in both ears, I can't make a sound, I can't smell, and even though the muscles in my entire body have weakened, I still use the abilities I have left to create works.As humans, we have to give up. The possibilities are endless. I want people to see my work and feel the spirit of never giving up.''
The exhibition will be held at Aeon Mall Tamadaira no Mori until the 9th of next week.