I came to traditional kintsugi late in life and I am incredibly grateful to have discovered a passion and a talent that brings me so much satisfaction and joy.
Not only do I have the pleasure of repairing objects that would otherwise be discarded, but often the pieces I am asked to repair mean a lot to those who own them – significant memories and emotions are attached to these broken items. Being able to hand them back, repaired with traditional kintsugi, and to see their owner’s response is a huge reward in itself.
Traditional kintsugi is expensive because the process is complex and slow, and involves time, skill and materials.
However, I don’t do this as a business; at this stage in my life I don’t want the complication! Occasionally I barter, if someone has a skill I need and I have a skill they need, that’s wonderful. Otherwise, if I do a repair, I explain the value of the work I do – what others would charge – and agree on an amount on the basis that all the proceeds go to support my local Hospice, St Luke’s, and occasionally to other charities too. The only exception is that, if someone wants gold to be used, then I ask to be reimbursed for however much is used – I cover all other costs, including materials.
I am based in Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK but I receive commissions from far and wide. If you have something you would like me to repair, please do send me a message.
Below are links to some kintsugi artists whose work I think you might enjoy, as well as links to blogs and tutorials about kintsugi that already exist. This is NOT a definitive list – there are others, but I have chosen not to over populate the page… the quality of their work is a joy to behold!
Very obviously, this is not a definitive list and I look forward to adding more names over the years ahead:
America: JM Craftstore Yuko Gunji
France: L’atelier Minimal
Many people ask me about kintsugi, and I am great believer in not replicating work that already exists. Below I provide links to blogs and tutorials that have interesting information. Again, it is not a definitive list! As and when I find new blogs or videos that I think you might find interesting, I will add them.
Every practitioner develops their own style, their own idiosyncrasies regarding how they do things, but fundamentally the basics are the same. Here are a few links that might be of interest.
Poj Studio Japan – has interesting blogs, and is also a shop.
Goenne Japan – you have to be a member to access the video tutorials but you can become a member for free by signing up, and you will then have access to several kintsugi tutorials.
Chimihaga has a YouTube channel with useful kintsugi video tutorials.
