Takuya Kamiyama was born in Tochigi, Japan in 1989 and studied Industrial, Interior and Craft Design at Musashino Art University, Tokyo, where he graduated in 2017. He subsequently moved to England to further his studies at Bishopsland Education Trust. His work showcases a deep connection with the natural world, employing techniques such as hammering and chasing to create contemporary silver vessels and tableware that embody both beauty and functionality.
Silversmith Takuya Kamiyama was born in 1989 in Tochigi, Japan. He studied Industrial, Interior and Craft Design at Musashino Art University in Tokyo, where he graduated in 2017 and he subsequently worked for a time as a Metal Department Assistant, training under Hiroshi Suzuki, a contemporary silversmith renowned for his mastery in raising techniques, traditional craft and metalwork. This foundational period not only honed Kamiyama's technical skills but also shaped his artistic vision, instilling in him a deep respect for both historical and contemporary metalwork practices. Kamiyama moved to England to further his studies with Bishopsland Education Trust, in Reading, Berkshire, a move that signified his dedication to refining his silversmithing skills and expanding his artistic repertoire.
Kamiyama's practice is rooted in a profound connection with the natural world, drawing on often overlooked aspects – such as the delicate structures of moss, the complexities of bacteria, and the layered composition of soil. These inspirations, though seemingly unconventional or even grotesque, are meticulously transformed by Kamiyama into silver artworks. His creations include contemporary vessels, tumblers, and various tableware items, all primarily crafted from precious metals, with a focus on silver. Kamiyama employs a diverse array of techniques, such as hammering, engraving, and chasing, alongside traditional and modern methods, such as hand raising and punching. This meticulous observation and experimentation with natural textures and forms allows him to translate the intricate beauty of nature into his metalwork. His process not only showcases his technical skill but also his ability to maintain functionality, achieving a seamless blend of beauty and utility.
Kamiyama's Dry Earth Beaker exemplifies his design philosophy. Created for theMade for the Table summer exhibition at the Goldsmith's Centre, London (2018), this piece showcases his ability to infuse traditional silverware with personal style and contemporary relevance. Taking inspiration from the parched surfaces of the earth, this beaker was meticulously raised from a spun form, then shaped and expanded through precise hammering. Kamiyama then adorned its surface with a variety of punches, each varying in size and texture, to evoke the mottled appearance of dry, cracked soil. The vessel was further enhanced with chased grooves, adding depth and dimension that play with light. This interplay of textures and patterns imbues the vessel with a dynamic visual language, where each groove and texture shifts in meaning with the changing light, mirroring the ever-evolving beauty of the natural world.
Kamiyama has also undertaken a number of residencies and collaborations, including working with British silversmith of Nigerian descent, Ndidi Ekubia MBE in Manchester. His commitment to craftsmanship and innovation was recognised when he won the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company Bursary Award in London in 2017. In 2018, he was one of the winners of the annual Young Designer Competition held by Jacobs the Jewellers and the Bishopsland Educational Trust. Group exhibitions include A Natural Selection, held at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh (2019) featuring international artists specialising in sculpture, ceramics, and metalwork. Each artist/maker explored the natural world through traditions of naturalism and hyper-realism across Western and Eastern cultures, connected by a theme of delicate and sublime expression. The following year, A Japanese Design at the same venue, held as part of the International Japanese Festival, showcased works from Japanese makers who either trained in Britain or made it their home. Featuring ceramics, glass, jewellery, and metalwork, it highlighted Japanese creative prowess in mastering and innovating within a range of mediums, while Takuya Kamiyama's work is not currently represented in UK public collections.
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Publications related to [Takuya Kamiyama ] in the Ben Uri Library