Circular Craft from Tottori
Culture exchange and Workshop in Bergen
Making Japanese Fine Craft Accessible
January 21–30, 2027
USF Verftet | Bergen, Norway
ABOUT THE EVENT
The exhibition features paintings, handcrafted objects, and ceramics that demonstrate traditional Japanese crafts intersecting with contemporary aesthetics and materials. By bringing artists, craftspeople, and materials rooted in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture to the public in Bergen, the project aims to communicate the relevance of local identity and heritage across international borders.
Concept :
The project demonstrates that traditional expressions and techniques maintain immediate relevance across geographical and cultural boundaries. The participating artists address the growing divide between fine art and functional craft in modern expressions—a separation they view as artificial when presenting work to diverse global audiences. Through hands-on workshops, the project dismantles barriers between artist and viewer by offering direct knowledge transfer.
Visual Expression & Materiality:
The exhibited works span a broad spectrum of media, techniques, and visual expressions. Uniting them is a shared philosophy of circular innovation: breathing new life into repurposed materials without compromising traditional cultural craftsmanship.
ARTISTS
Shiori Salto Kawaguchi
Based in Bergen, Shiori Salto Kawaguchi explores the possibilities of transforming traditional Japanese techniques into contemporary artistic expressions.
Using Sumi ink ( Chinese ink ), metal leaves, egg tempera.
Yoko Lambert
Embracing Imperfections and Preserving the History of Objects
Through Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken or chipped ceramics using natural materials, Yoko Lambert gives new life to objects.
Rather than concealing cracks and imperfections, Kintsugi celebrates them as part of an object’s history.
Inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi, her work invites us to embrace imperfection and appreciate the beauty created by the passage of time, while honoring the unique story of each object.
Repair is not simply about restoring something to its original condition.
Seiya Hamamoto
Giving New Life to Materials and Traditions
Seiya Hamamoto transforms traditional Japanese kimono textiles into new creations through contemporary design and creative reuse.
Working with silk kimono fabrics and traditional textiles such as chirimen, he gives materials that have reached the end of their original purpose a new role in creative expression.
Through his work, he explores the possibilities of creating new value in contemporary life while preserving the beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of traditional Japanese textiles.
Nicolas Tomoya Kunito
Connecting with Materials, Craftsmanship, and the Mind
In the calligraphy practice of Nicolas Tomoya Kunito, using Inshu washi paper from Tottori, he expresses the relationship between the artist, the material, and the written word.
Through tea culture, he also introduces a distinctly Japanese appreciation of the tea, the utensils, and the awareness of time and presence that surround the experience.
His work reflects the potential of traditional culture to continue connecting people and being passed on to future generations.
EVENT INFORMATION
Dates: 21st – 30th January 2027
Venue: USF Verftet
Georgernes Verft 12
5011 Bergen, Norway
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 11:00–20:00
Weekends: 12:00–20:00
Vernissage | Opening Reception
January 23, 2027 at 17:00
WORKSHOPS & SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
Workshop reservations: [Insert booking link]
All workshops suitable for beginners 🙂
SUMI-E WORKSHOP | Shiori Salto Kawaguchi
Painting with cuttlefish ink
Sumi-e ( ink painting ) is a form of painting that uses variations of ink and expressive brush movements to capture nature and landscapes.
In this workshop, you will experience Sumi-e using cuttlefish ink sourced from the Tottori region and traditional Japanese washi paper.
You can explore gentle brush techniques, brush movements on washi paper, and the expressive possibilities of different ink tones, discovering the delicate beauty created by natural materials.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Materials and tools: All materials and tools are provided.
DARUMA WORKSHOP | Shiori Salto Kawaguchi
The traditional Japanese symbol of good luck.
In Japan, Daruma dolls are cherished as symbols of good fortune, wishes, and the achievement of personal goals.Painting the eyes while making a wish symbolizes determination and the commitment to work towards a goal.
In this workshop, you will discover the cultural meaning of Daruma while creating your own original design.
Duration: Approximately 1,5 hours
Materials and tools: All materials and tools are provided.
KINTSUGI WORKSHOP | Yoko Lambert
An Introduction to Traditional Japanese Ceramic Repair
Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique for repairing ceramics using lacquer and metallic powders.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will learn the basic principles of Kintsugi and experience essential techniques used in ceramic repair.
In Japan, the appreciation of objects and their history, as well as the idea of giving them new life, are deeply rooted in cultural values, while exploring familiar objects from a new perspective.
Enjoy a creative and welcoming experience that invites you to appreciate the beauty of repair and the stories carried by objects.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Materials and tools: All materials and tools are provided.
TSUMAMI-ZAIKU WORKSHOP | Seiya Hamamoto
Create Your Own Traditional Japanese Fabric Brooch
In Japan, beautiful fabrics used for kimonos have long been cherished, and their delicate qualities have inspired the creation of a wide variety of decorative accessories.
Tsumami-zaiku is a traditional Japanese handcraft in which small pieces of fabric are folded, pinched, and assembled to create delicate shapes inspired by flowers and nature.
In this workshop, you will create your own original brooch using kimono fabric.
Give new life to kimono fabrics that have already been used, transforming them into a unique accessory of your own.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Materials and tools: All materials and tools are provided.
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP | Nicolas Tomoya Kunito
Emphasizes the movement of the brush, the variation in lines
Japanese calligraphy is a traditional art form that has been passed down through generations, using a brush and ink to create written characters. In this workshop, you will experience Japanese calligraphy using Washi (a traditional Japanese paper.)
Calligraphy emphasizes the movement of the brush, the variation in lines, and the beauty of empty space.
Whether you are new to calligraphy or simply curious about Japanese culture, enjoy a peaceful and creative experience through the art of writing.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Materials and tools: All materials and tools are provided.
TEA CEREMONY WORKSHOP | Nicolas Tomoya Kunito relaxing Relaxing and aromatic experience
In this workshop, you will learn about the Japanese tea ceremonies and experience its traditional preparation.
You will learn the basic techniques of whisking matcha with a bamboo whisk and explore its aroma and taste.
Enjoy a relaxing and aromatic experience while exploring the many ways to appreciate this beautiful Japanese tea.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Materials and tools: All materials and tools are provided.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
Live Sumi-e Performance by Salto Shiori Kawaguchi
A live ink painting performance featuring 50 miniature artworks.
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