Kato SteelKitten

"Roar."

 

Kato SteelKitten is tough !

Kato SteelKitten is a small version of Kato, made from steel.

It is hollow to keep it cost efficient, but still satisfyingly heavy and strong.

I modeled Kato as part of a series of explorations looking to achieve an expressive posture with simple shapes. I printed the model in various sizes and materials on my 3D printer at home. The prototypes received positive responses from friends and family, including (but not limited to) friends with an affinity to Kawaii, the Japanese affection for cute things. With the transition to glazed porcelain at Shapeways, the object gained an authentic sculptural quality. The hardness and weight accentuate the flow of the form, and the glaze softens the edges in a pleasant way.