Crafted with Care
If you’ve ever marveled at something great—delicious food, a well-made object—chances
are it’s the result of the great care someone's put into
their craft.
Our new series, Crafted, tracks the stories of people putting their best efforts into their field, every single day.
Naoki Kusumi comes from a long line of Sakan Japanese Plaster artisans, now in the 3rd generation of the family business that's created lasting facades from temples to hotels.
Sakan is a careful, delicate craft requiring deep knowledge of the tools, materials, and timing. When to push, when to wait, all for the perfect moment to make a move – much like the waves Kusumi loves to surf in his off time.
We spent a day following Kusumi at his latest project on Awaji Islands, a contemplative island south of Osaka. Follow along in the video below.
"I hope to create something beautiful
that people will cherish and use until it simply,
organically disappears."
The Art of Sakan
Sakan, a type of Japanese plasterwork, dates back centuries.
Commonly found in traditional buildings, Sakan is made by mixing a variety of natural materials to create a plaster well suited to the humid and dry conditions common to Japan.
Applying and sculpting the plaster itself requires precise timing to reach the perfect consistency. Sakan needs true skill and practice, but when done right?
The results are one of a kind.
"Nature, people and the things we create are very deeply connected."
Awaji Island
Kusumi uses Core Sling