Art and Music: In Conversation with Caroline Preston and David Smale

Join us at Studio KIND for a magical night of art and music with koto player David Smale and origami artist Caroline Preston.

Join us at Studio KIND for an exploration of the connections between visual art and music. Caroline Preston and David Smale will share insights into their experiences of working with traditional Japanese artforms, their creative practices and the influences that shape their work, offering an opportunity to consider the relationship between artistic expression, Japanese traditions and cultural exchange.

About the Artists

Caroline Preston – Visual Artist

Caroline Preston creates intricate origami compositions using Japanese washi paper, carefully folding and arranging pieces over many months to build rich harmonies of colour, pattern and form. Alongside traditional origami, she develops her own patterned washi through drawing, painting, printmaking and digital techniques, often incorporating gold leaf into her designs.

Her work features butterflies, moths, cranes and geometric forms, exploring themes of nature, transformation, beauty and fragility. Caroline first learnt origami while teaching in Japan, where the story of Sadako Sasaki and the symbolism of the paper crane became lasting sources of inspiration. Themes of peace, hope and unity remain central to her practice.

David Smale – Musician

David Smale is a British musician whose career has encompassed bass, double bass, guitar and voice. In 2022, a visit to Osaka, Japan, introduced him to the koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument that has since become the primary focus of his musical practice.

During his time in Japan, David studied with a koto teacher whose generosity and encouragement shaped his approach to the instrument and its traditions. Since returning to the UK, he has continued to explore both classical and contemporary Japanese styles, bringing these into dialogue with his wider musical experience.

Inspired by the expressive possibilities of a single, resonant tone and the koto’s connection with the natural world, David’s work reflects a thoughtful engagement with musical tradition, cultural exchange and the development of his own artistic voice.