Biography

The Story Behind Eclo Art

“Like clay & textured art guided by loving hands, our lives soften, align, and remember love as their source.”

 

Hola, konnichiwa, kia ora and hello!
My name is Emy Oikawa, the artist behind Eclo Art.

Emy Oikawa, the clay artist and CEO of Eclo Art.
Emy Oikawa, the texture artist and CEO of Eclo Art.

 

I am a Japanese–Colombian artist raised in Medellín, Colombia, now living in Wellington, New Zealand. Life brought me here 11 years ago after meeting my Kiwi partner, and today we are raising two beautiful little ones while I continue growing my creative practice and art business.

My journey with textured clay art began in an unexpected way.

When I was 15, during an art class, my teacher gave us clay and a board and asked us to create freely. While most students sculpted 3D forms, I instinctively created a flat textured piece instead. As I was leaving the classroom for morning tea, my teacher stopped me and said something simple that stayed with me forever: “You should frame that.”

This is the first ever textured clay art piece I made when I was 15 years old. A tree with pink flowers sculpted just using my hands.
Emy's first textured Clay Art piece made in a art class at intermediate school in Medellin, Colombia.

That moment sparked a curiosity that never left me.

Over the years I continued experimenting with different types of clay, textures, materials, and techniques. Slowly, piece by piece, I developed what has now become my signature textured clay art style.

Today I describe my work as:

“Soulful clay art to elevate your space and spirit.”

My artworks combine texture, natural inspiration, and powerful affirmations designed to bring beauty, meaning, and positive energy into the spaces where people live and reflect.

My artworks combine texture, natural inspiration, and powerful affirmations designed to bring beauty, meaning, and positive energy into the spaces where people live and reflect.
The Only Love Set by Texture & Clay artist Emy Oikawa

My Mission

My mission is to create art that reminds people of the beauty of life, the power of love, and the strength we all carry within.

Through texture, symbolism, and meaningful statements, my pieces invite you to pause for a moment during your day. When you walk past them in your home or workspace, they act as gentle reminders of possibility, positivity, and connection.

I believe art can be more than decoration.
It can be a daily source of encouragement, reflection, and joy.

Visitor at Emy's first Solo Art Exhibition, at Tbay Cafe in Titahi Bay.

Visitor at Emy's first Solo Art Exhibition, at Tbay Cafe in Titahi Bay.

 

My Inspiration

Nature and personal growth are the two main forces behind my work.

Living in New Zealand has deeply inspired me with its breathtaking landscapes, plants, oceans, and birdlife. Many of my artworks are influenced by these natural elements and the calm, grounding energy they bring.

For example, I created a series inspired by New Zealand birds after noticing how deeply my sister connects with birds in Colombia as a biologist specialised in birds. That moment reminded me how nature speaks a universal language that connects people everywhere.

New Zealand Nature Clay Art by Emy Oikawa from Eclo Art
New Zealand Nature Clay Art by Emy Oikawa from Eclo Art 

 

My artistic journey is also closely connected to my own path of self-discovery and emotional growth. Practices like meditation, visualization, gratitude, and breath-work help me stay grounded and inspired.

During an important period of reflection in my life, I created two collections that represent this inner journey:

The Intuition Collection
The Only Love Set

These pieces invite us to ask powerful questions:

What would I truly love to do?
What would I love to see happen in my life?
What if I focused on the best possible outcome instead of the worst?

This mindset shift can open new possibilities and bring a deeper sense of joy and meaning to our lives.

The Only Love Set and Intuition Collection textured clay art by Emy Oikawa from Eclo Art
The Only Love Set and Intuition Collection textured clay art by Emy Oikawa from Eclo Art

My Process

Every piece of textured art I create begins with intuition and intention.

I start by sculpting textures by hand, shaping the clay slowly and carefully until it feels balanced and alive. Each artwork evolves organically through touch, patience, and attention to detail.

Texture is an essential part of my work because it invites viewers to experience the art beyond sight — creating a sense of depth, movement, and emotional connection.

Emy making the Only Love Clay art piece, from Eclo Art

Emy making the Only Love Clay art piece adding little pieces of clay on the board.

 

Many of my pieces also include powerful statements and affirmations, allowing the artwork to communicate a message of hope, belief, and positivity.

Each finished piece carries the energy of the creative journey that brought it to life.


Sharing the Creative Experience

Alongside creating artwork, I also love helping others reconnect with their creativity.

Through my Mindful Clay Art Workshops, participants enter a calm and intentional creative space. Each session begins with cacao ceremony, meditation, and journaling, followed by a guided process where I teach my clay art techniques.

These workshops invite people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience the joy of creating with their hands.

At the Mindful Clay Art Workshop with Emy Oikawa from Eclo Art
At the Mindful Clay Art Workshop with Emy Oikawa from Eclo Art.

 

Bringing Meaningful Art Into Your Life

My intention is that every piece of art becomes part of your daily environment — quietly uplifting your space and reminding you of what matters most.

Whether you are drawn to the textures, the affirmations, or the connection to nature, each artwork is created with the hope that it brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of possibility into your life.

You can explore my artworks as original pieces or prints, request commissioned artworks, or join a Mindful Clay Art Workshop through my website:

www.ecloart.nz

You can also follow my creative journey and see the stories behind my pieces on Instagram and YouTube @ecloart.

Thank you for being here and hope that something written about me and my art inspires you.

With love and light,
Emy Oikawa
Eclo Art

 

 

Contact me!

Collections