Mariko Kusumoto, born in Kumamoto, Japan, is an artist known for textile and metal art.

 

Kusumoto studied at the Musashino University in Tokyo, and relocated to the United States where she studied at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

 

Currently based in Massachusetts, the artist prevails upon fabric to construct forms of elegant simplicity and evocative imagery.

 

Her designs are incorporated into jewelry and sculptural pieces, as well as in collaborations with fashion designers.

 

Her body of delicate fiber works consists of sculpture and jewelry inspired by natural forms: coral, mushrooms and flowers amongst other organisms.

 

To create these ethereal pieces, Kusumoto uses the traditional origami-like folding technique tsumami zaiku.

 

Other pieces use a method of heat-setting synthetic fabric until it holds the shape she wants.

 

The fundamental simplicity of the process creates a stunning contrast with her often intricate designs in order to produce a beautiful piece of jewelry that is both majestic and captivating.

 

More of Mariko Kusumoto’s innovative jewelry and other works can be found at https://www.marikokusumoto.com/.