Welcome to the creative world of Yuko Kikuchi, where the elegance of Japanese tradition meets the intricate beauty of European artistry. My life's journey from Tokyo to the cultural hubs of Europe has deeply influenced my unique artistic expression.
Concept & Artistic Vision
My art is a harmonious blend of delicate Japanese aesthetics and sophisticated European techniques. Inspired by the intricate beauty of nature and the timeless elegance of porcelain, I strive to create pieces that evoke emotion and tell a story. Through my work, I aim to bring joy and beauty into everyday life, reflecting a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
Profile
Yuko Kikuchi 菊池優子
Born in Tokyo in 1977, I pursued my education in law, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Keio University in 2000. My passion for art led me to Germany, where I trained under renowned artists Uwe Geissler and Margret Pitzler in 2008. Now, as a Japanese designer and artist residing in Stuttgart, Germany, I continue to expand my artistic horizons, including bespoke designs and commissioned artworks.
Career Highlights
Exhibitions:
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2013: Art Space Pamina Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan
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2018: Gallery 21 rue Debelleyme, Paris, France
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2019: The English Tearoom, Stuttgart, Germany
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2022: Maison&Objet, Paris, France
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2023: Le Méridien, Stuttgart, Germany
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2024: Maison&Objet, Paris, France
Collaborations:
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2022: Summerill & Bishop Lily of the Valley Art works
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2023: Summerill & Bishop Autumn Dahlia Art works
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2023: Summerill & Bishop Iris Art works
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2024: Summerill & Bishop Coeur des Fleurs Art works
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2024: Summerill & Bishop Sakura Art works
Press and Interviews
I spent my childhood moving around in Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles. Those times gave me to meet people from different background and enjoy the enjoy the cultural differences. At the same time those experiences gave me to reflect myself as a Japanese born in a traditional beautiful culture. Country where people appreciate fine delicate sense of beauty.
After graduating an university, I started working as an accountant and controller in a global engineering and electronic company. While having the valuable and fruitful experience in these careers I also started to search for something I can originally create and dedicate myself as a life work, and bring joy to other people. I recalled from my childhood, and realized that I had great liking to detailed handcrafts, decoration and arts which are delicate and senstive. It was like I was on a journey, seeking the right way to express myself. I started to look into botanical art, learn jewelry design, and other decoration crafts anything that interests me.
After those certain period of time, I finally met the porcelain painting art in 2008. Since then, my activity as being a painter has started. As soon as I started learning porcelain painting, I was eager to learn the beautiful handcraft professionally. The passion even driven me to challenge the most intensive professional course given from one of the most famous porcelain artist and teacher, late Mr.Uwe Geissler, who used to be a Meissen painter. Eventually I became the first and last student which he had given the personnel lesson teaching the very basic skills and choosing materials through to the final details of how to develop the styles.
At the same time I have learned the gold painting skill from Ms.Margret Pitzler, who used to be a painter in Furstenburg.
Mr.Uwe Geissler. In his Studio near Cologne, year 2008
Ms.Margret Pitzler. Near Cologne, year 2008
After coming back from Germany, I have started my original art work. With the back ground as being Japanese and learning European traditional art and culture, my concept on art pieces are to harmonize the both culture. My origin comes from the Japanese culture that people appreciate the nature and sensitive beauty in heart of people, yet the designs are also based on the delicate European sense of art.