KiKU craft and design is the online home of my adventures (and occasional misadventures) into designing and making functional crafted pieces, mainly from wood, glass and paper.

I'm influenced by aspects of Japanese design aesthetics, especially:

Shibui (渋い) simple, subtle and unobtrusive beauty.

Shizen (自然) Naturalness. Absence of pretense or artificiality, full creative intent unforced.

Kanso (簡素) Simplicity or elimination of clutter. Things are expressed in a plain, simple, natural manner.

My other main influence is the Arts and Crafts movement, particularly its emphasis on the inherent qualities and integrity of materials, visible construction and simple forms.

Kiku is the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum. A symbol of the sun, the Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum’s petals to represent perfection, something I’m always striving for but hope never to attain.  It’s said that a single petal of this celebrated flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life.

Thanks for stopping by, Charlie

Online Shop
www.etsy.com/shop/KiKUCraftandDesign

Blog
www.kikucraftanddesign.blogspot.com

Online Shop
charlie@kikucraftanddesign.com