Forestry and sustainability a signature of Canberra woodworker Hiroshi Yamaguchi

Artists and designers often take inspiration from the detail and minimalistic elements of authentic Japanese craft. But, for local Canberra woodworker and furniture designer Hiroshi Yamaguchi, these Japanese influences have been instilled in his practice from the very beginning.

“I began my training at a private woodworking school in Japan called Shinrin-Takumi Juku, under master craftsman Osamu Shoji. Following this, I worked for 10 years as a full-time lecturer at the Gifu Academy of Forestry, Science and Culture, which gave me the hands-on experience to teach woodworking,” Yamaguchi says.

“In 2012 I moved to Canberra and in 2016 I established my own workshop Koitoya Design/Make/Teach. Here I make commissioned wood craft pieces, furniture and joinery work, as well as run woodworking classes.”

Although the expert detail and joinery of Yamaguchi’s work uniquely define each piece individually, the underlying meaning and his signature is something truly special.

“One of the themes running through my work is “connection” – connecting people’s needs to design, connecting the responsible use of forest materials to design and making, and connecting people to enjoy wooden craft making through teaching,” he says.

His emphasis on connection has also played an important role in the community that surrounds him and his practice. His background in forestry leads him to seek sustainable timbers obtained locally, including street trees.

“When I present my work to my customers, I tell stories about how the timbers came to my workshop. I try to tell a story of the different cultural experience behind my designs and about the trees or people behind the materials.”

Yamaguchi says he continues to visit Japanese forests every year for new-found sources inspiration and to manage an ongoing sustainable ethos.

Although Japan has had a great influence on his career, it is clear, that by the way he lights up while talking about Canberra, that the capital has played a large role in fostering his opportunities and growth.

“I’ve had incredible support from Craft ACT, Design Canberra Festival and ANU Schol of Art and Design and current students, which is great,” he says.

Currently, Yamaguchi works out his Koitoya studio located in Oaks Estate. This small boutique workshop has been a creative incubator for many of his most notable works.

“Oaks Estate has a unique and long history in the ACT. With neighbours running antique conservation workshops and classes. The block has a unique mixture of industrial and residential atmosphere. The backdrop is the beautiful Queanbeyan River bank and you can see the old railroad bridge,” he says.

As a part of the 2018 Design Canberra Festival, Yamaguchi is opening his Koitoya studio to the public at 1/7 William St, Oaks Estate on November 17 from 11am – 4pm. On the day visitors are invited to take part in the popular chopsticks making workshop and small spoon making workshop. He will also have a selection of work available for purchase.