Biography/ RIE SASAKI

日本語

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Living in Yokohama, Japan

Born: 1974

Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Education

  • 1997: Bachelor’s Degree in Metal Craft, Tohoku University of Art & Design, Yamagata, Japan
  • 1997-1998: Enrolled as a special student in the blacksmithing course at Steneby Skolan, Dals Långed, Sweden

Competitions

  • 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012: Selected for the Takaoka Craft Competition (Daimaru Takaoka Store, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture)
  • 2007: Selected for the Tableware Grand Prize (Tokyo Dome, Suidobashi, Tokyo)
  • 2012: Selected for the Beer Mug Grand Prize 9 (Sapporo Art Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido)
  • 2024: Selected for the 62nd Japan Contemporary Craft Exhibition (Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo)

Solo Exhibitions in Japan

  • 2005-:
    • Aomori – Gallery Casaico (Hirosaki)
    • Iwate – Morikyu Gallery (Morioka)
    • Miyagi – RIAS ARK MUSEUM OF ART (Kesennuma) / Abe Keishiro Gallery (Sendai)
    • Tokyo – Galerie Pousse (Ginza) / Tokinoshizuku (Setagaya) / BrainBrunnGALLERY (Hachioji)
    • Kanagawa – Gallery Minne (Kamakura) / Art Truth (Yokohama)
    • Yamanashi – Gallery Aria (Kiyosato)
    • Shizuoka – Gallery Mizushima (Shizuoka)
    • Hyogo – Gallery Ebihara (Himeji)

Art Exhibitions

  • 2012: The Earthquakes and Each Expression—BOX ART—Metaphor for Sharing, RIAS ARK MUSEUM OF ART (Kesennuma, Miyagi)

International Exhibitions

  • 2010: Art Melbourne 2010, Royal Exhibition Building (Melbourne, Australia)
  • 2010: Art Sydney 2010, Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park (Sydney, Australia)

Museum Collection

  • Reality (2012) – Iron sculpture included in the collection of RIAS ARK MUSEUM OF ART in Kesennuma, Miyagi

In 1998, after finishing my studies abroad, I returned to Japan and opened my own studio. While gazing at the beautifully clear blue sky of my beloved Sweden, I decided to name the studio “Sora Kobo,” meaning “Sky Workshop” in Japanese. The sky has many expressions, is profound, and stretches endlessly—a sky that embraces everything. I chose this name because I wanted to create works that reflect the vastness and beauty of the sky.

Since then, my journey has taken many twists and turns. I continued working in metal smithing until 2022, and from 2023 onward, I’ve focused on jewelry and woodblock prints. 

Through metal sculpture, jewelry, and woodblock printing, I explore the unique characteristics of each material, aiming to create works that evoke a sense of life, airiness, and transience. I pursue a distinct visual and sensory expression, crafting pieces that can share stories and quietly resonate with people’s lives. With each piece, I hope to offer viewers a sense of peace and inspire new perspectives.