Yuki Sumiya

Bio

Yuki Sumiya is a contemporary jewelry artist based in Kamakura, Japan. Sumiya graduated from Joshibi College of Art and Design, Department of Metalsmithing in Tokyo, Japan. After graduating, Sumiya worked for a metalsmithing company as a blacksmith, and after that, she worked as an apprentice for jewelry artist Fumiko Hoshi, who served as a goldsmith. In 2005, Sumiya moved to Florence, Italy to study under Manfred Bischiff at Alchimia Contemporary Jewelry School. After graduating from Alchimia, she returned to Japan and established a jewelry studio in her home. Her work has been exhibited both solo and in groups in galleries or fairs such as Cominelli Foundation Collection.

Statement

My work explores the balance and relationship between opposite things or circumstances through material and form. I am inspired by the duality in nature such as its ability to take life and give life or to destroy and create. At the same time, I see this force of opposites as a means to keep a balance in the natural world. I also believe that humans are part of nature which is very important to my roots.

My work combines metal, natural lacquer and nylon stockings. The materials reference the concept regarding the relationship between artificial and natural objects. I mix synthetic fibers and natural lacquer utilizing the traditional hollow dry lacquer technique but replacing the linen cloth with nylon stocking materials for a smoother curve and a softer feel. For me, nylon represents the artificial world while lacquer represents the natural world. I also love metal as a material for my work, because it is a mineral that is mined from the earth. This process symbolizes a unique fusion of artificial and natural substances. The hollow pieces represent the space between things and the ambiguity that the pair of things are connected and cannot be clearly separated.

Through my work, I hope to maintain a balance and complement each other in order to explore the future we should have. For me, jewelry is a communication tool and has the power to accept and transform one’s values and experiences.
 

CV      

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