About the Artist
Kendall Murakami
2014
Ken is a BFA in Studio Art candidate at the University of New Mexico, focusing on printmaking and metalwork, for which he received high honors.
His current body of work makes use of computer programming, processing, varied printmaking techniques and sculptural elements.
Artist Bio (2012)
Originally a student of pottery and ceramics, Kendall gravitated toward metal as a primary medium for expressing his artistic vision.
Calling himself a “Texturist,” he eagerly explores textured surfaces in nature, applying them to his metalwork with unusual methods of marking and scarring. He enjoys the play of juxtaposed sensation, often pairing mirror-smith with ultra-rough surfaces. His pieces are known for their special textures and unisex design.
Kendall has over 10 years of experience working with metal, and 15+ years of experience in various artistic disciplines.
His signature lines include “Rustic Industrial,” “Chaotic Organics,” and “Controlled Chaos,” and he does extensive work in mixed metals, (marriage of metals), a special forging technique where different metals are fused.
Kendall first studied ceramics under mentor and internationally recognized potter Rich Sim, of Lancaster, California. With a heavy focus on fine-walled designs (tea cups, tea pots, dishes, and vases), Kendall also delved into the research and production of new glazes, hand-mixing and measuring hundreds of hues from scratch.
He developed several new glaze colors, including unique shades of blue, and prepared many traditional Japanese and Chinese glaze recipes. He spent several years working as a ceramic lab tech at Antelope Valley College, where he assisted his mentor and often helped teach students clay working techniques.
While pottery still remains one of his passions, Kendall soon found himself returning to another practice he’d learned–metalworking. He spent several years working with large scale metal projects, using traditional welding techniques on steel and iron. His background in welding became refined when he began to study and develop designs in small metals, through silversmithing and hand fabricating. He now works with sterling silver, copper, brass, and other materials, applying his knowledge of large scale metalwork, pottery, and 3D design to each piece.
In addition to pottery and metal smithing, Kendall has also extensively studied printmaking, painting, design and color and digital graphic design, from which he also pulls ideas for both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional pieces. Descended from samurai on both sides of his family, he also takes inspiration from mon and crest designs, especially those of his ancestry. He is an avid student of texture and pattern, in everything from ruddy bricks to worn wood, and he turns the abstract into the wearable whenever possible.
While Kendall produces many pieces of jewelry, he also does metal sculpture and fine art assemblage from metal.
Kendall conceptualized an artist co-op and gallery space with his wife, Ren Adams, taking their design from a plan on paper to full-scale production. They recruited 23 other artists for inception of the gallery. He served as the Jury Director during the gallery’s development and opening phase. He has also been a member of the Duke City Renegades Art Guild, the University of New Mexico Print Club (where he served as Vice President and Secretary) and he has assisted with the coordination of art events at the Factory on 5th Art Space and Antelope Valley Community College.
Ken is a BFA in Studio Art candidate at the University of New Mexico, focusing on printmaking and metalwork, for which he received high honors.
His current body of work makes use of computer programming, processing, varied printmaking techniques and sculptural elements.
Artist Bio (2012)
Originally a student of pottery and ceramics, Kendall gravitated toward metal as a primary medium for expressing his artistic vision.
Calling himself a “Texturist,” he eagerly explores textured surfaces in nature, applying them to his metalwork with unusual methods of marking and scarring. He enjoys the play of juxtaposed sensation, often pairing mirror-smith with ultra-rough surfaces. His pieces are known for their special textures and unisex design.
Kendall has over 10 years of experience working with metal, and 15+ years of experience in various artistic disciplines.
His signature lines include “Rustic Industrial,” “Chaotic Organics,” and “Controlled Chaos,” and he does extensive work in mixed metals, (marriage of metals), a special forging technique where different metals are fused.
Kendall first studied ceramics under mentor and internationally recognized potter Rich Sim, of Lancaster, California. With a heavy focus on fine-walled designs (tea cups, tea pots, dishes, and vases), Kendall also delved into the research and production of new glazes, hand-mixing and measuring hundreds of hues from scratch.
He developed several new glaze colors, including unique shades of blue, and prepared many traditional Japanese and Chinese glaze recipes. He spent several years working as a ceramic lab tech at Antelope Valley College, where he assisted his mentor and often helped teach students clay working techniques.
While pottery still remains one of his passions, Kendall soon found himself returning to another practice he’d learned–metalworking. He spent several years working with large scale metal projects, using traditional welding techniques on steel and iron. His background in welding became refined when he began to study and develop designs in small metals, through silversmithing and hand fabricating. He now works with sterling silver, copper, brass, and other materials, applying his knowledge of large scale metalwork, pottery, and 3D design to each piece.
In addition to pottery and metal smithing, Kendall has also extensively studied printmaking, painting, design and color and digital graphic design, from which he also pulls ideas for both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional pieces. Descended from samurai on both sides of his family, he also takes inspiration from mon and crest designs, especially those of his ancestry. He is an avid student of texture and pattern, in everything from ruddy bricks to worn wood, and he turns the abstract into the wearable whenever possible.
While Kendall produces many pieces of jewelry, he also does metal sculpture and fine art assemblage from metal.
Kendall conceptualized an artist co-op and gallery space with his wife, Ren Adams, taking their design from a plan on paper to full-scale production. They recruited 23 other artists for inception of the gallery. He served as the Jury Director during the gallery’s development and opening phase. He has also been a member of the Duke City Renegades Art Guild, the University of New Mexico Print Club (where he served as Vice President and Secretary) and he has assisted with the coordination of art events at the Factory on 5th Art Space and Antelope Valley Community College.
