Saeko Ehara is a Kirakira (sparkling) artist and VJ based in Tokyo whose work combines mobile 3D scanning and generative AI tools to make 3D point cloud artworks.

Her inspiration comes from memories and joys of her childhood—reading illustrated books of flowers, drawing, and collecting Kirakira items like anime cards, stickers, and acrylic jewels. As a child, she would become so enthralled with her collections, that time would disappear when she was engrossed in her favorite sparkly creations.

Now, through her point cloud artworks, she aims to fill the world full of Kirakira beauty.

Please share your favorite scan or a project you made with a 3D scan and tell us about it.

My favorite project is called “Collectible Scape.” It is a project focused on digitally preserving vanishing everyday landscapes and relics as digital art. Using 3D scanners and TouchDesigner, this series reinterprets disappearing scenes and objects from fresh perspectives.

Since its inception in 2023, the project has captured a diverse array of subjects—playground equipment, wells, public telephones, incinerators, roadside flowers, flora, and fauna—highlighting the often-overlooked elements of daily life.

This work reflects traces of human life and progress, infused with a sense of transience and nostalgia. Inspired by the Zen concept of "hika rakuyou" (falling flowers and leaves), it portrays the inevitability of change and disappearance, showing that inorganic objects, like living things, are subject to the same fate.

The aim is to preserve these scenes as memories for the future, inviting viewers to feel the connection between past, present, and future.

How did you get started with mobile 3D scanning and 3D Gaussian splatting?

I create artworks using 3D scans and TouchDesigner. My first encounter with combining 3D scanning and TouchDesigner was through a YouTube tutorial by supermarket sallad titled Pointclouds (without lidar) Tutorial | TouchDesigner.

I was able to use Scaniverse on my iPhone right after switching from Android. I was amazed that the app was free to use and didn’t even require registration to get started. Since then, I’ve enjoyed scanning various objects around me.

How do you use 3D scanning in your work or creative practice?

I export all scanned objects as point clouds and animate them using TouchDesigner. I tend to select objects that are neither too large nor too small for optimal scanning results.

How does Scaniverse help what you do in 3D scanning?

3D scanning is truly revolutionary. I once scanned an old coin laundry near my house, but shortly after, it was demolished. I realized that 3D scanning is the perfect tool for preserving familiar objects, memories, and things that may disappear in the future.

What is your best advice for capturing a great 3D scan? Or - Do you have any advice for someone who wants to do what you do?

I think carefully scanning each object with attention to detail leads to higher quality results. By scanning many objects, you’ll start to identify which ones are better suited for 3D scanning and which ones are not.

Through this experience, new creative ideas will naturally emerge.

What's on your scanning wishlist? If you could 3D scan any place or subject, what would it be?

When I tried to scan cherry blossoms outdoors in the past, I struggled to capture the finer details, so I’d love to scan cherry blossoms beautifully one day. I also wish I could scan moving objects like the ocean or animals.

Since I’m particularly drawn to shiny and transparent objects, I’d love to try scanning them as well. Lastly, the idea of traveling to different places and countries for 3D scanning sounds really exciting!

Taking 3D scanning to a whole new dimension.

While a 3D photo that you can capture, process, and share from your mobile phone is pretty magical all by itself, Ms. Ehara’s kirakira artworks demonstrate the endless creative powers that mobile scanning can give artists.

These gorgeous works using AI, mobile 3D scans, and TouchDesigner have totally captured our attention and imagination. We encourage you to learn more about this scanner and view more of their magical 3D artworks on Instagram and YouTube.