KAZUTO YOSHIKAWA
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For those who know me, would agree that I’m a bit of a day dreamer. I like to approach things from a conceptual angle, often leaving me a little estranged from reality. Perhaps that’s why coming across Kazuto Yoshikawa’s work immediately struck a chord with me, the 46-year-old woodworking artist too believes that feelings of melancholy aren’t necessarily a bad thing. I spent a day trekking from inner Tokyo to the outskirts where his workshop is located.
The clear beauty within his one-off pieces is inspired by his memories of his childhood, a time spent getting lost amongst the mossy groves in rural Fukushima. “I grew up in the forest. My afternoons were spent exploring the quiet paths and playing in the river. For as long as I can remember, the life of the forest gave me energy. I made bow & arrows, swords, anything my mind could create. I enjoy reminiscing on this period.” It’s evident that romance and curiosity were a part of his life from a young age.
However, it wasn’t until after working for an Italian furniture company for 12 years would Kazuto San have the realisation he’d had enough of the ‘salary man’ lifestyle and knew he needed to return to his childhood state of inspired dreaming. “The Tōhoku earthquake in 2011 was one of the most important reasons for the change of my career. That huge disaster reminds me deeply that people only live once. I wanted to feel inspired, and once again curious.”
Fast forward several years and Kazuto San has used his curiosity to begin a new chapter of woodworking practice in rural Mie. The aptly titled project ‘A Day In The Forest’ allows metropolitan visitors to see how local hardwood is transformed into expressive pieces of furniture. It’s a concept he couldn’t fulfil here in his Tokyo based workshop, yet he continues to create with the same principals. He intentionally shy’s away from clean and pristine soft woods, instead opting to highlight the nuance of hardwood found directly surrounding the workshop, reminding the visitors that all furniture too once lived life as a tree. “Trees have the beautiful potential of ageing. Why we may find trees beautiful is that humans know ourselves we will grow old and age the same, in the prime of life. The delicate growth rings, knots and decay all represent its history, how the tree lived and survived to this date. I believe they have the power to make the eye of the observer realize the precious moment of life that they are living here and now.”
Curious as to how each piece comes to life, Kazuto San explains to me that the wood itself informs him how it needs to be handled. “Whatever I create, I follow the rusticity of each piece to ensure its nuances are highlighted.” He recently received a 2500-year-old trunk that was found at the bottom of a riverbed from a gentleman who gave him the task of creating whatever he wished. After inspecting the inner workings of the trunk, it was clear it was destined to become a stool. “The texture and grain of the wood inform my practice; I’m drawn to the aesthetic pattern. For a long time, I wanted to become a painter, an abstract painter to be exact. Some of my biggest inspirations are Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Willem de Kooning. They often use unintentional movements, reminding me that unconsciousness often surpasses consciousness. Another inspiration is Francis Bacon, his paintings bring light to the human psyche.”
Browsing his workshop, I come across all kinds of striking wooden pieces, some finished, some just starting their transformative journey. Mirror frames, tableware, chairs. Today was dedicated to producing spoons for a restaurant in Paris. “I can produce 10 spoons a day. I really don’t mind the monotony.” As someone constantly reminding themself to be more patient, I find his poise towards his craft inspiring. “Some of the larger pieces take weeks, even months.” The demand for his work is rapidly growing, from personal collectors, restaurants, to local boutiques.
With only a few minutes left of his time, I asked him whether he sees himself as a product led artist, or rather an artist creating products. He irresolutely responds with “I’m not so sure, I guess probably somewhere in between.” After a 12-year involvement with high-end product design, I wasn’t surprised to hear the uncertainty in his thoughts. However, one thing he is certain about, is how we interact with products and things surrounding us. “Our physicality is becoming too expanded by various technologies; we are exposed to too much information. I think we sometimes cannot keep up our minds.”
Visiting Kazuto San was one of those encounters you have with someone that leaves you energised for months to come. His ability to transpire his romantic ideals into refined creations makes him hugely inspiring. In a time where everything seems convoluted, his clarity in belief is a timely reminder of how precious our time here is. “I believe that being in touch with nature and being able to enjoy returning to one's true simple self is the power to live. I hope to provide such opportunities in parallel with my activities as a woodworker.