Pure Creativity – Beans, Pinecones, Umbrellas by Yuko Nishikawa

If you are looking for pure creativity and freedom then look no further than the work of New York based Japanese designer Yuko Nishikawa. I stumbled in to her ceramic work and later fell upon the series ‘Beans, Pinecones, Umbrellas’ that builds on Yuko’s interest in hanging mobiles, not just their sculptural quality but also their ability to sprout imaginary conversations and thoughts.

Recycled packaging, design sketches and old diaries are mushed together to create paper pulp that has a varying textural surface. This brings a natural simplicity to each mobile, with the colour being added to make vibrant dots that sway in the air, as if butterflies were moving around the room.

Looking through Nishikawa’s other works, such as her ceramics and painting, it’s easy to see that this was the next progression for her. Calling these “paintings that have come alive” is very fitting as her canvases feature large geometric shapes with unique vibrant colours.

This youthful energy, pure creative energy, comes across in this sculpture and is one of the most exciting aspects for me. What a wonderful way to give back to the world! To pass on that creative quality and a sense of happiness to those in need.

Photography by Henry Hargreaves

yukonishikawa.com

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