But you look like you drink 10 cups of black coffee a day?! The truth is though, he has a dread of coffee. The metal craft artist Mr. Takemata, who always dresses in black giving him a tough appearance, was born and grew up in Kanazawa, a place known for its traditional crafts. He states, “I don't worry so much about ease of use, I just want to make items with forms and designs of my own.” His unwavering attitude is something he has in common with his collaborator at a 2 person exhibition in May, Naoto Okada.
He entered into the world of metalwork through the production of jewelry. Whilst repairing antique jewelry, he spent hard times simply waiting for offers. However, things are different now as he has drawn attention from galleries nationwide and is in active collaboration with a ceramic artist. When looking at the rapidly expanding field of activity, he holds on to the hope becoming at the heart of artists of the same generation and perhaps being able to cause a big sensation.
Mr. Takemata also loves old things, and what is eye-catching among his work is the well-used appearance of this stainless steel plates and cutlery. The reason for this is that, when repairing jewelry, he constantly was thinking "How can I restore this without compromising its more than 100 years worth of aging?" Also, as he came through from the world of jewelry, he is concerned with the appearance of his work. Mr. Takemata says that his items should “be functional, and also look cute, stylish or beautiful at the same time.”
If you wish to encapsulate him in a few words of catch copy, then this would be “a person with unshakable philosophy”. His work emits a unique sense of masculine strength and style that you could say perhaps stems from his personal philosophy.
Takemata Yuichi
- 1975
- Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture
- 1995
- Started to study metal carving
- 1997
- Was involved in the production of original accessories at a jewelry store
- 2004
- Opened a studio and shop in Shintatemachi called “KiKu”
- 2011
- Opened a studio and shop in Higashiyama called “sayuu”
Mr. Takemata himself in front of his second shop “sayuu” (meaning left & right in Japanese), a word that has philosophical connotations.
Korean stainless steel spoons for those who dislike that brass metal taste. The sensation in the mouth is pleasant too.
Polishing cutlery with a rotary tool. Delicate work that requires the use of fine sandpaper.