Will Okamoto, WKO, an IT graduate from Mackenzie, majored in Business at the University of Charleston on an athletic scholarship while playing football in West Virginia back in 2014. Spent four years at Atelier Muriqui and joined the Páprica project at Casa Amélia class of 2022 which focused on enhancing artistic practices. Additionally, he attended a community of ideas(M.I.L.) completing modules I Creative Processes and II Building Your Brand. Okamoto has also participate twice in the annual Bunkyo Salon 23-24. Currently part of Studio Thela, an emerging group of creators, artists, and designers led by the multidisciplinary artist Theo Oku.

Born and raised in Brazil, Okamoto is a sansei based in São Paulo. With five years of experience in high-temperature ceramics, his works blend his japanese craftsmanship heritage with contemporary expressions, with football being a central theme in his dialogues with clay.

He seeks to reinterpret the traditional shape of the soccer ball, in terms of aesthetic and importance, a ball is more than just a physical object; it embodies the essence of the sport and reflects the culture and history of the game. Throughout history, balls have served as tools for play, social interaction, and rituals across various civilizations, making them integral to human culture and expression.

Culturally, symbolize community identity and pride, as seen in contemporary sports like football. Overall, they are powerful symbols that connect historical significance with modern sporting experiences, reflecting the enduring role of play in human life.

"Football probably might be one of the most longest relationships I had in my entire life, haha, as a young kid my coach used to say that if we wanted to become a professional player we needed to stay with the ball all day long, even sleep with her. Although I NEVER slept with a ball, maybe that's why I'm not playing in the national team with Neymar and Vini Jr today. These recent sculptures reflects my inner childhood as a footballer, a passion that continues to resonate in my adult life. Without football, I would struggle to remember my roots, the discipline, and the life values nurtured during those formative years." - Will Okamoto, 2025