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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.