Based in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture, Akie Nakata collects Zuni fetishes: small carvings of animals that are integral to the customs and traditions of the Native American Zuni tribe. It’s unclear whether this collection eventually led to Nakata’s own, original artwork but the similarities are hard to ignore. For Nakata though, there is no carving involved. And this is an important distinction. Every rock she finds and decides to paint is never altered. Instead, she finds inspiration in the natural form of the rock and deftly paints, in accurate and colorful detail, the animal she was reminded of.

For a closer look at Nakata's artistic process, and some incredible paintings that have to be seen to be believed, read the full article from our friends at Spoon & Tamago via the link below!