Yuri Kobayashi - Unit 5's International Furniture Maker in Residence 2024
Yuri Kobayashi
Yuri Kobayashi is a mid-career sculptor and furniture maker based in Rockport, Maine. With deep roots in Japan, she studied architectural design at Musashino Art in Tokyo. Seeking a more hands-on outlet, Yuri enrolled in the woodworking program at Shinrin Takumi Juku in Takayama City. During her two years of learning and four years working as a staff, she received rigorous hands-on training and discovered the boundless possibilities of wood as a creative medium.
Inspired to explore further, Yuri left Japan for San Diego State University, where she earned an M.F.A. in furniture design under the mentorship of Wendy Murayama. With over a decade of teaching experience at the Rhode Island School of Design, Yuri's work has been featured in exhibitions and publications, earning her prestigious residencies.
Currently serving as lead studio fellow at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Yuri continues to share her expertise through informal mentoring. Her work seamlessly blends traditional woodworking techniques with a profound sense of wonder and emotion, manifesting in a diverse range of work from abstract sculptures to functional furniture.
https://www.yurikobayashi.studio/furniture
We are honoured to host Yuri for her first European residency at Unit 5, Edinburgh Scotland. You are invited to celebrate and explore her extraordinary practise during the weekend of April 6th & 7th 2024. This will include::
An artist presentation by Yuri Kobayashi, preceded by a one hour steam bending demonstration - open to all.
One day steam bending masterclass aimed at cross disciplinary practitioners working in wood and wanting to incorporate curved elements into their work.
Our thanks goes to the Four Nations International Fund to enable this project.