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Jonathan Yamakami

@jonathan.yamakami

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• Ceramist + Book designer
• Japanese-Brazilian in LA
• Currently: @pulpedresidency
• Work available: @tappancollective | @jfchenantiques

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SLOW BUILD opens this weekend in downtown LA! Come see what we’ve been up to and feel the warmth (literally, it’s going to be hot). But figuratively too: so much learning, encouragement, and laughs with @mirena_kim, @pattern_language, and @arturo_rea_mejia during the @pulpedresidency.

#paper #papersculpture #paperpulp #pulpedresidency by @jonathan.yamakami

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16 days ago

As @mirena_kim says, “it’s paper!” But with a few more ingredients…

This one started with a ceramic piece that I refired three times and was only sadder each time it came out of the kiln. Hoarder that I am, I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away and, perhaps a year later, wondered what would happen if I started covering it with paper pulp.

Come see what @pattern_language, @arturo_rea_mejia, and I have been up to as part of @pulpedresidency, led by @mirena_kim. The show is aptly titled Slow Build.

We’re having a preview on Oct 3rd and a reception on Oct 4th. It’s going to be at the @mohilef_studios in downtown LA.

#paper #paperpulp #pulpedresidency by @jonathan.yamakami

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23 days ago

Since the beginning of this year, @pattern_language, @arturo_rea_mejia, and I have been part of @pulpedresidency, an ultra-low-cost, ultra-local residency founded by @mirena_kim in 2023. We have been exploring the possibilities of working with paper pulp.

If you’re in LA in early October, come see what we’ve been up to!

#pulpedresidency #paperpulp #paperpulpsculpture #slowbuild by @jonathan.yamakami

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a month ago

Honored to have this piece included in “Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light” at Fondazione Giorgio Cini, on San Giorgio Maggiore island.

If you’re in Venice this summer (well, lucky you!) the show, with art direction by @esdevlin and curated by the Michelangelo Foundation, is open until Sept 30th.

Adding a couple of photos of some of the immersive installations. It all looks amazing and I’m sad I’m not there to experience it…

Thank you @homofaber for including me! taken in Fondazione Giorgio Cini by @jonathan.yamakami

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a month ago

Very excited to be included in the Homo Faber Guide, as @homofaber starts welcoming makers based in the US. The guide is an online platform dedicated to craftsmanship. It allows you to discover artists and their work; explore museums and galleries; and enjoy experiences in cities across the world.

Thank you @lorenabradford for talking to me about my practice and its beginnings at the @uocraftcenter in Eugene, OR 💙

The Homo Faber Guide is a project developed by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, an international non-profit based in Geneva.

#homofaber #homofaberguide #ceramics taken in Los Angeles, California by @jonathan.yamakami

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2 months ago

A few photos of a great soda firing workshop taught by @htceramics_ at the @thepottersstudio in Berkeley. Thank you, Haley, for all your knowledge and good humor! Thank you, Jesse, for all your help!

After we were done with the firing, I got to take a short walk and admire the Bay. 💛 I need to take proper photos of the work but that will happen later. Additional photos here are by @kstrausser 🙏🏼

#sodafiring #potterstudioberkeley #ceramics taken in Berkeley, California by @jonathan.yamakami

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2 months ago

Temporary studio until the end of the month. Got myself a bag of Babu so that I can continue to nurture my love-hate relationship with porcelain wherever I go… taken in Berkeley, California by @jonathan.yamakami

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3 months ago

Early last year I got the chance to design the caps for @ullajohnson’s fragrance bottles. They were made by pinching small pieces of clay, the same way that I create my vessels.

I like to think of these caps as small seeds – contained, tactile, and full of possibility. The fragrance was developed by British perfumer @lynharristheperfumer.

It was a different kind of project for me, brought to life by Ulla Johnson’s team with great respect for craft.

#ullajohnson #perfumebottle #ceramics by @jonathan.yamakami

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3 months ago

One of my favorites from last year’s soda firing. With delphiniums. 💙

#sodafiring #ceramics by @jonathan.yamakami

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4 months ago

Excited to have my work included in @verandamag’s July–August issue, along with some amazing artists. Thank you, Catherine Smith, Rachael Rummel, and photographer Becky Luigart-Stayner for the beautiful shot 🙏🏼

As seen in @verandamag, July/August 2026.
Photograph by @sunnyhousestudio.
Produced by @rachaelb_rummel and @cat_smitty. by @jonathan.yamakami

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4 months ago

Today is the last day to check out “Anatomy of Use: Ceramic Forms Dedicated for Function” at the @mcgroartyartscenter. Grateful to have been part of their 22nd Annual Ceramics Show. Thank you @rayyocum and @bilianapopova for having me along with over 30 other Southern California artists. 🤍

The show closes today at 4pm. The Center is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga CA 91042. by @jonathan.yamakami

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4 months ago

There was a lovely opening last weekend at the @mcgroartyartscenter for “Anatomy of Use: Ceramic Forms Dedicated for Function,” the center’s 22nd Annual Ceramics Show. It was great to see objects and their makers outside the little screen of my phone.

Thank you @rayyocum and @bilianapopova for making this happen 🙏🏼✨ And thank you @pattern_language for inviting me to be part of the exhibit!

The show is up until June 20th. It includes functional pieces from 30+ artists from Southern California.

#functionalceramics #mcgroartyartscenter #tujunga taken in McGroarty Arts Center by @jonathan.yamakami

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4 months ago