Momoko Usami

artist statement

I am interested in the variety of movements we make every day such as stacking cups, turning the light on, jumping in a puddle, opening a jar, taking medicine and drying plates on a drying rack. The life of a functional ceramic object starts once firing is complete. A person’s touch brings the object to life.  Even if it breaks, it can be repaired using Kintsugi,* which adds a special personal memory and history to it.

I attempt to make people conscious of the motion they give each work they touch. My role as an artist is to enrich a person’s everyday life by allowing them to touch and interact with my work, and by discovering fresh views through it. I am seeking mutually related figurations between the viewer and my work. I would like to pursue my expression not just as a tool for life, but also to recognize daily consciousness.

* The Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum

ARTIST BIO

Momoko Usami received a BFA and MFA from Kyoto City University of Art in Kyoto, Japan. After she completed two years as a resident artist at Lillstreet Art Center in 2009/2010, she built her personal studio in rural Missouri near Kansas City where she teaches small art classes for the community.  Momoko draws inspiration from many things, including Japanese painting from the Edo period, dreams, and daily encounters on the street. Her unique, playful and often interactive ceramic works have been shown in the United States, Canada, and Japan.

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