Yukiya Izumita Japanese, b. 1966

     Yukiya Izumita (b. 1966) is the leading ceramicist of Japan’s northeast Tohoku arts region. He uses origami paper techniques to construct layered sculptures that reflect the harsh seaside atmosphere. The visual lightness of Izumita’s tiered ceramics betray the salt- and iron-dense clay collected from the coastal beaches. In response to the unrelenting northern environment, Izumita’s works come to resemble the strange and natural bluff rock formations. Izumita is the recipient of the 20th Biennial Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition’s Excellence Award and the Grand Prize at the Asahi Ceramic Exhibitions of 2000 and 2002. His pieces are in collections including the Yale University Art Gallery, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Iwate Museum of Art.

 Awards and Collections: 

Excellence Award, 20th Biennial Japanese Ceramic Art Exhibition (2009)

Grand Prix, Asahi Ceramic Exhibition (2000, 2002)

 Yale University Art Gallery

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Iwate Museum of Art

Tokonomae City Board of Education

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Mingei International Museum, San Diego