Kazuhiro Toyama

Metal sculptor

Next-generation metal sculpting

Kazuhiro blends metals to create new forms
He has adapted thermal spraying and developed innovative coating techniques
His sculptures raise contemporary themes and highlight modern sensibilities towards nature

Kazuhiro Toyama graduated from Musashino Art University’s metalwork department. Passionate about crafting since childhood, he learned metalworking basics in high school, then honed his skills in hammering and engraving, merging craft and art. Kazuhiro was a research assistant at Musashino Art University before opening his atelier in Kanagawa in 2022. In his sculptures, Kazuhiro blends the hardness of metal with its softness, creating pieces coloured through chemical reactions of copper. He values sustainability, and forms pieces that explore nature and industry. His unique techniques include adapting thermal spraying and using a plasma cutter. Kazuhiro prioritises the dialogue with materials, enjoying the emergence of unexpected shapes, and aims to create works that directly convey beauty and appeal, balancing technique and expression.

Interview

What was the first object you made?: In my high school graduation project, I crafted clothing from iron plates by hammering them into drapery. This technique softened the hard material. This technique resonates in my current work, adding delicacy and fragility to my creations.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your craft?: Tradition is about inheritance, but evolving perspectives on technique and materials is crucial. I believe in advancing them in line with modern sensibilities and values, creating works suited to today's lifestyle and mindset. It is not just about messages; practical tools need updating to fit current lifestyles, blending tradition with contemporary relevance.
What does 'well made' mean to you?: Ultimately, the importance lies in creating objects that are beautiful and captivating. The initial allure of a piece is paramount. While technical skill is essential, my goal is to produce works that immediately convey energy and beauty, prioritising direct impact.
What do you love most about your profession?: Conceptually, I enjoy melting existing materials to create organic forms, allowing the process to unfold naturally. Iron, often seen as artificial, is crucial in both Earth's core and the human body. Restoring iron's organic essence in my work, I transform industrial products into organic creations, evoking a sense of life sprouting anew.

Kazuhiro Toyama is a rising star: he began his career in 2021