KEI TOMINAGA

Kei Tominaga, originally from Tokyo and now based in London, creates metal objects, sculpture and jewellery. After studying traditional smithing and sculpting at Tokyo Art University, her creative exchanges with contemporary designers and architects added a fresh dimension to her work. Kei's works reflect both conceptual design and her incessant interest in materials.

Her latest pieces —wall sculptures, metalworks and jewellery — are a departure from her sculpting and product design background, she brings the lightness and texture, of materials like paper to her unique designs in metals.
"I like to work with sheet metals, especially soft metals such as silver, gold, copper and iron. They are enduring materials, but also pliable. I enjoy working with these two characteristics in contrast to create objects.” says Tominaga.
"I cut, bend, fold, curve and stick them together, narrowing down the techniques in the process so the results are as simple as possible. I think it gives objects a strength that is simple and pure. I like sharp, straight edges — just like folded paper. Completely flat faces or tightly curved edges give my work strength and tension.”

Kei's work has been featured in ELLE Decoration, Timeout, Financial Times and Monocle magazine.