Maki Okamoto

Metalworker

©Maki Okamoto

Daily meaning

Maki is inspired by Swedish expression
She tells stories through her contemporary jewellery
She makes objects to last a lifetime

Maki Okamoto spends her days at Lod, the gallery and workshop of seven metal designers. Born in Japan, she has lived and worked in Stockholm since 2008, exploring the field of contemporary jewellery. She has been part of Lod since 2013 and enjoys the setting, the connections, inspiration and customers. Her work can be divided into public commissions, objects to exhibit and jewellery, custom made. She works in various materials, mainly metal – copper, silver and brass being her favourites – and puts effort into using the materials and shapes in new ways. Wanting to make objects that communicate with the audience, she does not only transform daily objects, giving them a new function, but she also challenges the conventional use of jewellery.

Interview

©Maki Okamoto

How does communication feature in your work?: I like to think that I create the beginning of a story with my pieces, and that it is the viewer or holder of the jewellery that continues the thought, the association or history.
What inspires you?: I find joy in everyday objects, and the daily life with objects, patterns and colours. I get inspired by my customers, listening to their wishes and stories and then creating a piece of jewellery that matches their wishes.
What is your strength as an artisan?: My background in the sculptural field makes my pieces balanced in proportions and contrasting volumes. And to get to that point I am stubborn, I have good patience and will work hard to get the result I want.
What does handmade mean to you?: If people see and appreciate the hours that is put into the work, they will also cherish the objects more. My material is really sustainable and will last for long time, it is my wish that my pieces stay with their owners for generations.

Maki Okamoto is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2020