The wildLIFE Project
This work was created during World Wood Day 2018 in Cambodia as a collaboration between Maruyama, Sylvie Rosenthal, and Leah Stargartner. With the pangolin native to Southeast Asia, the setting offered a meaningful opportunity to bring attention to one of the most critically endangered species in the world.
The project was realized in collaboration with Cambodian rattan artisan Loch Bros., whose expertise shaped the making of the piece. Known for crafting functional objects such as chairs and stools, he brought a deep understanding of material and technique, while also embracing the challenge of working in a more sculptural form. The exchange was mutually enriching, expanding the possibilities of rattan as both craft and artistic expression.
As the most heavily trafficked mammal globally, the pangolin is under severe threat due to demand for its scales and meat. Using rattan—a material native to Cambodia—the work interprets the form and character of the animal while highlighting the versatility of the material. In doing so, it connects place, process, and advocacy.