Yuki Murata

My work focuses on progression. I am moved by imagery in transition and temporal conditions. I feel that my work is a moment in an evolution. The constructive process always informs the image, material, and structure of each piece as it is being made.

Similarly, I have always believed in the importance of natural beauty. Beauty that is at once everlasting and fleeting. My work captures colors, materials and forms that while bold or sometimes stark are always honest and authentic. Nature teaches humanity about our insignificance and our magnificence. That lesson informs my design and art making process as well as my work.

MARQUETRY DESCRIPTION

Marquetry is an inlay technique that is made by cutting and piecing together many small pieces of wood veneer in order to create an overall image. My work is custom and thus reflects the personalities of my clients. The images I create for the heirloom frames are developed after speaking with my clients about their relationships and interests. I begin with that conversation and design around it, adding my own aesthetic in the process. I then present a primary sketch of the layout for approval. Once approval has been issued and any additional requests have been made, I proceed by cutting piece by piece the wood veneers. The image is actually produced in reverse and taped together as it is assembled. Once the entire image is complete, it can be flipped over and re-taped on the front with a special paper tape. After this tape dries, the original tape on the back can be removed. This veneer image is then carefully heat mounted onto a durable substrate to create a permanent heirloom product. Once mounted, the entire frame is put under a computer-calibrated sander that carefully removes the paper tape and evens out the veneered surface. This step is crucial, as too much sanding would result in removing the detailed veneered image. After the sanding is complete, last touchups can be made before the trim pieces are added and the final frame is spray lacquered for a professional lasting finish. The entire piece, while primarily conceived through design sketches, really develops and evolves on its own as I choose the colors and shapes during the fabrication. My aspiration is to create a custom artwork that will be a meaningful and precious heirloom for years to come.

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