The Origins of CREARE Atami-Yugawara Studio
— Louis Fransen and the Beginnings of Public Art —

Belgian-born Louis Fransen (1928–2010), who came to Japan as a Catholic priest in 1957, played a significant role in the origins of CREARE Atami-Yugawara Studio’s approach to public art.
He initially served at churches in Himeji and Nagasaki. Perhaps influenced by his own background as a stained glass artist, he became fascinated by Japanese ceramics as well. On his days off, he visited local pottery workshops, dedicating himself to creating ceramic works.

Taki Hisao, the current Chairman of NKB Inc., first met Louis Fransen in the mid-1970s, when Fransen was serving as a priest at Matsubara Church in Tokyo. One night, Taki visited the church residence late at night to request an original artwork for a public art project. In his haste, he attempted to open a door that was not actually an entrance, causing a bookshelf to fall over. The sleeping Louis was suddenly awakened by the commotion.
This unexpected encounter marked the beginning of a close friendship between the two. Inspired by Taki’s invitation to “work together to promote public art,” Louis decided to leave the priesthood and dedicate himself to the creation and promotion of public art.

It was by no means an easy decision. On the night he made this choice, Louis lay down on the bank of the Tama River and gazed up at the star-filled sky. Looking back on that moment, he said, “I had nothing, but I was free. I felt a surge of strength within me, sensed the possibilities that lay ahead, and felt truly happy.”

After coming to Japan, Louis studied Eastern philosophy through university correspondence courses and came to realize that “Western religions and cultures were not absolute truths, but simply one of the many diverse cultures that exist in the world.”
While training young staff members at the studio, he shared many words of wisdom that have been passed down to this day:
“Finishing everything exactly as I envisioned it has no meaning.”
“Glazes are more interesting when they contain subtle variations and cloudiness. Do not simply reproduce the original artwork.”
“Please value the unique qualities that emerge naturally.”
These words reflect the spirit of Eastern philosophy, which moves beyond the rationalism of the West and embraces the beauty of imperfection and the individuality born through the creative process.

Louis became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 1990. While serving as the studio director, he also taught as a lecturer at institutions including Tokyo University of the Arts and Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts. In addition, he served as a judge for the International Taki Fujiji Art Award, organized by the Japan Traffic Culture Association, from its establishment in 1980 until 2009, the year before his passing.
Through the public artworks he created that remain in locations throughout Japan, as well as the many teachings he shared with studio staff and young artists, Louis left behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.