Manhole Covers of Japan: Temari Wagasa

Photographs edited, collaged and layered together creating a new photographic image using Photoshop. I use anywhere from 10 to 40 photographs per montage. The manhole cover design features temari (hand ball), originated in China, traditionally made from old kimono pieces wrapped into a ball as a toy. Temari have progressed into as artform of embroidery.  

This series stems from the unique, decorative manhole cover designs each district within Japan boasts. After photographing the cover, I turn it into a black silhouette using Photoshop. I place colorful images behind the silhouette. They speak of a hidden world of beauty: when so much care and design is taken for something we walk over, perpetually gets dirty, it must be elevated, like a stained-glass window. 

Digital Montage Photography is a process where I layer and edit photographs together using Photoshop to create a wonderfully new collaged image celebrating different places. These are all photos I have taken, not stock photography. 

The luster photo paper is a premium photographic stock with a satin finish, favored by professional photographers. Its subtle, pearl-like texture adds depth, while supporting deep color saturation.

• Bright white paper 

• 240gsm

• Subtle pearl-like texture 

• Fingerprint resistant

Medium: Digital Montage Photography
Available Sizes: 15 × 15 inches, 20 × 20 inches
Format: Fine art print on archival paper
Signed: No
Shipping: Carefully packaged for safe arrival

Created to help you live with the places that shaped you.