Kuniko Maea

MEET THE MAKER

I am a Japanese multidisciplinary artist based in London. I set up my practice in April 2018 and have spent the past 3 years laying the foundations for my business. I studied traditional woodcarving in Kyoto and moved to London in 2011 to study Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts. My craft practice is rooted in material processes, with a strong influence in design aesthetics informed by my subject specialism, sustainability. I focus on the idea of life cycles in Japanese culture and religion with further influences from western models of explorations of materiality, consumerism and labouring. I work with paper, partly because of its many common uses, easy availability and its therefore unappreciated nature. By exploring the possibility of materials and their unique properties, I allow the materials to speak and embrace natural formed abstraction. I create paper sculptures which are an exploration into form and texture underpinned by a combination of Japanese philosophy, traditional crafts and digital technology to re-evaluate everyday materials. I also create sculptural jewellery pieces, which are an extension of my artworks using different materials.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACKS?

My business objectives are having own my studio and equipment to achieve in-house production. working with organisation such as V&A, and doing artist residency. I hope to increase my profile via SNS and galleries. My 4 months was so fruitful. The business programme covered a wide range of topic which is necessary to know as an designer maker and they were very supportive. Vision is very important to plan my future and it is useful to set small goals to achieve a big dream. Time management is also important to achieve the goal. The speaking session was the most challenging for me but I found that speaking is one of the most important skills for artists. And the most amazing thing of this course is to have friends who have a similar dreams and goals. After the course, my vision became clearer and I made a great achievement, which is having a solo exhibition. This was a one of my long term dream.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• Having your own visions and setting small goals, plans to achieve the big goal.
• Speaking about your work is very important. I need to practice more.
• Pricing is the most difficult part and need to think carefully.
• We sometimes work too hard but don’t forget to look after yourself.
• Working with other artists are very helpful. Their feedbacks and advice will give you ideas, motivations and confident.