Kaori Juzu

Enameller

Metal and enamel in 1001 otherworldly ways

Kaori makes artistic jewellery out of metal and enamel
Some of her pieces are intended for display rather than wearing
She teaches her craft and exhibits all over the world

Kaori Juzu was born in Tokyo and graduated from university with a degree in Spanish. She made a trip to the Danish island of Bornholm to attend a course on folk crafts and this changed everything. Bornholm has traditionally been attractive to many artists who come to seek inspiration, stay a while, or, like Kaori, stay forever. Inspired by the island’s jewellery craftsmanship, she decided to move to Denmark permanently. After finishing her course, Kaori became the goldsmith apprentice of fellow islander Per Suntum. She now has a renowned workshop on Bornholm. Kaori’s metal and enamel work and distinct use of colour have become her hallmark. Her pieces reflect both the rocky surroundings of Bornholm and possess an out-of-this-world design. She has exhibitions worldwide and teaches enamelling and goldsmithing while travelling.

Interview

What are your choice materials?: My materials are quite simple: metal and enamel. For enamels, the metals are mainly copper and steel. Then I use silver, 18 carat gold, and two-colour metal for construction. The gold gives an extra dimension to the enamel colours.
How do you approach enamel?: I have always tried to forge my way to bring this classic material to the present day. When enamel is given unlimited opportunities for expression, and each form interacts with the surrounding space, it pushes beyond its known limits. It achieves a new and spontaneous expression in deep harmony with the form of the jewellery piece.
Do you work thematically?: I am not a conceptual artist, though since arts and crafts reflect the times we live in honestly and accurately, sometimes it is unavoidable to have a theme reflected by my experiences. I guess how I use colours and how I build layers of colour helps to create some connections throughout my work.
What is the intention behind your pieces?: My goal is to find a form that has not yet existed in this world. By holding a piece of metal, forging, and hammering, I try to discover The Form. What has sprouted inside me emerges on the bare copper skeleton as colours. Then, the form and colours melt together, and when it succeeds, I see a unique piece in front of me.

Kaori Juzu is a master artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2009