Konjō is a photographic project from Yamaotoko Studio, focusing on the spirit of creative people who have been through a traumatic life event and are finding solace in their craft, using it as a tool in their journey toward healing and recovery. Translated, Konjō is the essence of ‘guts’, or ‘spirit’ of a person who overcomes.

On the night of Wednesday 9th June 2021, our community in the Dandenong Ranges endured a storm event like few of us had experienced before. The trauma of that night and the following weeks became apparent as our small community grew closer than it ever has, to rally around those who had lost the most.

Although many lost so much, and some lost everything, by some stroke of luck we all came out with our lives, and a desire to rebuild and repair both physically and emotionally.

Through Konjō I hope to create an honest, compelling and visually stunning representation of individuals who continue to pursue their passion despite having experienced significant loss or adversity in their lives. As recovery and healing are an ongoing journey, Konjō will be an ongoing project with exhibitions and showcases along the way.

If you would be interested in participating in Konjō we would love to hear from you. You don’t need to be a professional artist, or even practising creative, if you are deriving enjoyment and healing from something you’re passionate about you are embodying the spirit of Konjō.