Artist of the Week – Ikuko Iwamoto
November 2nd, 2009 § 3 Comments
This week we interview Ikuko Iwamoto who creates beautifully intricate ceramic works influenced by the microscopic world. She aims to bring its organic chaos, intensity and fragility to the things we use every day without losing their function.
Ikuko recently created her own brand called IKIK Ceramics, working with fellow artist Kaz Kondor, who’s interest in details of insects are clearly evident in each piece.
IKUKO Iwamoto has attracted several commissions and awards including the DBA Inclusive Design Competition Trophy commission (2007/ 2009), The Ceramic Review Prize for Innovation (2009), Crafts Council Development Award (2008) and The Clerkenwell Award (2006).
She has exhibited widely and has been included in Ceramic Art London’ 09, Origin 2008 and more recently Tent London. She is shortlisted at British Ceramic Biennial (see article in our Ceramics section) in Stoke-on-Trent this year and is going to take part in Origin 2009.
Tell me a bit about yourself, you are from Japan, why have you decided to settle and work in London?
I have been living in London since 2001. My ceramic master in Japan suggested I continue my studies in ceramic design and I decided to come to London to study at Camberwell College of Art. At Camberwell, I was focused on making sculptural ceramics but after graduating I got a place at the Royal College of Art and decided to change my style and direction by making functional pieces. After leaving the RCA, I aquired a studio in Clerkenwell and things started from there.
When did you become interested in art?
When I was little, I really loved doodling. That’s why I am still making work I suppose.
How does making art make you feel?
Sometimes very stressed, but I relax when I am decorating and glazing my work.
What specific feature of working with clay and porcelain appeals to you?
I took a metalwork course when I was a student at Camberwell, but I got stressed and frustrated because metal is a hard material to work with and not very malleable. I like the feel and elasticity of clay so I decided to carry on working with it instead.
How do you get inspired?
The microscopic world. Invisible things.
What have you learned from another artist lately?
I have discovered Steve Reich’s music.
What’s new for next year and where do you see your work going in the future?
Making new, larger scale work. Participating in Ceramic Art London, Tent and Origin and the British Ceramic Biennale.
Who first influenced you artistically?
I think I was probably influenced by a musician.
The diverse textures and materials are a temptation to the sense of touch. How would you describe your artwork?
I am interested in invisible things. I would like to make invisible things visible – bring them mre attention. The sense of touch to me is more important than our visual senses – I like to make things that are tactile and have a range of textures. I like people to relate to my work through feeling it…that is the most important thing to me. It’s difficult to describe.
Please tell us about your technique, what materials/clay type do you like to work with?
I am using porcelain at the moment and all my pieces are handmade.
What are the challenges you have found in your work?
Large scale pieces.
What are your ambitions?
I’d like to exhibit internationally.
What types of projects would you like to undertake next?
Lighting projects and more sculpture.
How important is the company of other artists and creative individuals to your wellbeing and creative output?
My studio is in a building where there are many designer working together and we all support each other.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My partner always gives me good advice – we collaborate on work together.
What is your favourite piece of art you have made?
Spikyspiky bowl.
More of Ikuko’s work can be seen at: www.ikukoi.co.uk
Hi There, Very impressive content.
Nice interview and supporting website. May i share it on my moodle classsroom page with my ceramic class?
Of course you can!