Shigeki Yamamoto

Cabinetmaker

©Shigeki Yamamoto

©Alexa Hoyer

©Shigeki Yamamoto

Constructions with a playful twist

Shigeki was a master of metal before being a master of wood
Complex structural work is his specialty
He works between Germany and Japan

What makes Shigeki Yamamoto’s pieces unique is how he uses many different pieces of wood to make spectacularly complex structures. With a closer look, it becomes clear that the numerous wooden beams, covered with plenty of regular holes, are held together by wooden plugs. “Working with wooden plug connections gives me a great amount of creative freedom, but on the flip side, each plug must carry a lot of weight. Therefore, the main task is to find a way to distribute the load on as many plugs as needed to get a stable structure.” Shigeki has not always worked with wood – he studied design before discovering the pleasure of also creating objects himself. In 2000, he started metalwork with master Nobuyuki Tachibana in Japan before moving to Germany in 2006 and picking up woodworking.

Interview

©Shigeki Yamamoto

©Alexa Hoyer

Where do you draw inspiration from?: Interests and curiosities that have persisted since childhood. Many people told me that how I build my piece Play Sideboard reminds them of their childhood construction kits. Interestingly, I have never played with those kinds of toys, but I can relate to the fact that it brings back memories of being carefree and playful.
How do you express your links to Japan and Germany?: I believe what Germany and Japan have in common is their commitment to quality and technique. Both are present in my work through the materials I use, the construction of my pieces and throughout my working process.
What part of the making process do you like the most?: The moments I enjoy most are when I make the many different parts and assemble them into whatever piece it is that I have designed.
What is your approach towards design and making?: I think what is important for me when I design and create is how much I can move people's emotions. When the overall balance matches the image, and as a result, you feel elated – that is how I define ‘well made’.

Shigeki Yamamoto is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2010