We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makomako. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with makomako below.

Makomako, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Every project I take on carries its own unique story and individual significance.

I’d like to share one of them with you. It was winter in New York City when I received a message from a client, asking if it was possible to restore a broken Hermès porcelain plate that had shattered into multiple pieces— and if I could finish it before Christmas.

Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of restoration using urushi lacquer and gold, is a craft that demands both time and patience. Typically, a project like this takes months to complete, but we had just a few weeks before Christmas. Normally, I would avoid rush projects, but something about her request made me pause. Was this plate meant to be a Christmas gift? Why go through the effort of finding a Kintsugi artist to restore a broken plate rather than replacing it? Clearly, this piece held special meaning. Curious, I agreed to take on the project and listened to my client’s story.

The plate was part of a pair that she and her husband had purchased decades ago during a memorable trip to Europe. Over the years, these plates had been cherished, until one day, as often happens, an accident occurred, and one of the plates was knocked over and shattered. Unable to part with something so tied to their memories, she carefully gathered all the fragments and tucked them away in the back of a cabinet, where they remained for many years. At the time, she didn’t know if the plate could ever be restored.

Years later, that winter, she came across the concept of Kintsugi and immediately thought of the plate. It felt like the perfect chance to bring the forgotten fragments back to life. I completed the repair just in time for Christmas. After the holiday, she sent me a message to share how the plate became the most surprising gift at her family gathering. At first, everyone assumed it was a new plate identical to the original. But upon closer look, they realized it was the very same broken plate, now beautifully restored with golden seams.

In today’s world, where it’s so easy to replace the old with the new, I often wonder—why would someone choose to repair what is broken? It’s because objects, like this plate, carry our memories. Kintsugi, for me, is not just about mending ceramics—it’s about restoring memories. The golden seams remake the ceramic objects and return these memories to my clients. While new objects may fill the space, they cannot replace the stories and emotions tied to the ones we’ve lived with, the ones we’ve loved.

Makomako, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m makomako, a Kintsugi artist based in New York City. My journey into Kintsugi began in late 2017 when one of my cherished tea bowls broke into pieces during my relocation to the city. Unable to simply throw it away, I embarked on a path to learn the art of Kintsugi with master Gen Saratani in New York, and later continued studying under different masters to deepen my skills.

Kintsugi, meaning “golden joining,” is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. The method I practice remains faithful to traditional techniques, using natural lacquer — the sap of the lacquer tree native to South and East Asia—as an adhesive to bond broken ceramic pieces. The seams are then dusted with real gold powder, transforming the fractures into beautiful, golden features. This intricate process demands immense patience and often takes months to complete, but the results are both visually stunning and entirely food-safe.

In my work, I restore cherished pieces for my clients, giving broken objects a new life and renewed elegance. What I find most fulfilling is the transformative journey—highlighting each piece’s unique history and inherent beauty while embracing the philosophy of imperfection and impermanence. For me, Kintsugi is more than repair; it’s about storytelling and honoring the memories tied to each object. Instead of imposing my own intentions, I listen to the story each fracture tells, allowing its organic path to guide my hand. Through Kintsugi, I seek simplicity—a quiet elegance that honors the harmony of natural laws. Every piece I restore is functional and beautiful, and, when needed, food-safe, ensuring it can once again be part of daily life as both art and utility.

Beyond restoration, I aspire to guide others toward a deeper appreciation of life’s imperfections through Kintsugi. In 2023, I co-hosted a duo exhibition titled Contemplating at Ease at the BLANC Art Space in New York, which explored these themes. This year, I have been hosting Kintsugi workshops and classes in the city, sharing this timeless craft with a growing audience.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

What I find most rewarding aspect of being a Kintsugi artist is giving broken objects a second chance. Kintsugi allows me to take what might seem like the end of a story and turn it into a new beginning. There’s a quiet joy in knowing that something I’ve repaired will once again be part of someone’s life, carrying both its original memories and renewed beauty. Art and craft have the power to heal, inspire, and connect us, and knowing that my work has made even a small difference in someone’s life is incredibly meaningful.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Being an artist in New York City has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. This city is full of inspiration, and the energy of its diverse creative community motivates me to keep growing as an artist. However, balancing the many roles required to sustain a creative career—such as managing social media, teaching workshops, and connecting with clients—while continuing to develop my craft is no small feat. It’s a dynamic and fulfilling journey, but one that also requires thoughtful support from society to thrive. One of the most impactful ways to support artists is through accessible funding and affordable studio spaces. Finding a suitable studio can be incredibly difficult for artists in a city like New York, where rent is notoriously high. Studio spaces are not just a luxury—they are essential for artists to have the freedom to focus on their craft, experiment, and innovate without the constant pressure of financial instability.
Another crucial aspect is recognizing the value of art and traditional crafts—not just as decoration, but as a medium for storytelling, healing, and cultural preservation. Traditional crafts like Kintsugi are sometimes misunderstood or undervalued in today’s fast-paced world, where shortcuts and convenience dominate. By educating the public about the materials, time, care, and craftsmanship behind such arts, we can help foster a greater appreciation for these timeless practices and their importance in a modern context. Supporting artists ultimately benefits everyone. Art enriches our lives, foster connections, preserves cultural heritage, and reminds us of the beauty in the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makomako.kintsugi