Mindcraft 15 : Focus on Tora Urup & Akiko Kuwahata
Our redactor in chief has got the chance and the pleasure to visit most of Mindcraft15 exhibitors studios. Today Mindcraft opens its doors so here is a focus on Tora Urup and Akiko Kuwahata.
Tora Urup has chosen glass as her creative medium for its inherent ‘magical’ qualities in this regard. In her work, the material and creative processes are important sources of inspiration, as she explores how a few, simple tools and variations in basic features such as the thickness, colour and structure of the glass can alter our visual perception of an object. The point of departure for her creative process is typically a functional object, such as a bowl or a dish. She sees the possibilities in limitations and enjoys the magical process where unpredictable and wonderful things arise within the framework she has set for herself.
Photo by Tora Urup
Photos by Lise Coirier
Akiko Kuwahata is a trained cabinetmaker and has chosen wood as her primary material. She draws inspiration from traditional Japanese craft methods and Scandinavian design and works in an up-close, hands-on approach to arrive at the perfect form for the task at hand. Apart from functional considerations, her work is also driven by a clear focus on sensuous qualities and the ambition of creating something that appeals as much to our sense of touch as it does to the eye.
Photos by Lise Coirier Photo by Mindcraft
Mincraft exhibition runs in Milan from 14 to 19 April, 2015.