I was enthralled...
When I first learned about kintsugi I was completely captivated both by the idea and the technique. As an artist, kintsugi seemed to embody many of my skill sets at once and I immediately set out to learn all I could about the traditional method of kintsugi. I researched the techniques used in traditional kintsugi repair, sourced Japanese suppliers for traditional materials and constructed a muro box. I then began an amazing journey where every day I am learning new ways to improve my skills with this amazing and uplifting craft.
All items in my shop are made using various urushi lacquers from Japan, cured after each layer of lacquer in the Muro box and decorated with metallic powders made specifically for kintsugi (24k gold, silver, brass and copper). You will not find any epoxy or mica powders used in my repairs.
Any vintage or antique ceramics have been sourced from a couple of different antique dealers in Japan. I check in regularly with them for any vintage or antique ceramics that are already damaged. The damage and the kintsugi repair become part of the history of the item.
In our throw-away culture, I have found it can be very difficult to source already broken ceramics for repair. I frequent thrift markets, have advertised for broken ceramics and even approached local potters to buy any of their pieces that break in the kiln. I also source ceramics directly from Japan in an attempt to support contemporary Japanese ceramic artists. With this in mind, many contemporary pieces in my shop I have had to intentionally break. Although I have found even intentionally breaking a piece is not an easy task but requires a quiet and directed mindset; a deft hand is necessary to not completely obliterate the object of repair. I feel truly grateful when people invite my artwork into their homes or the homes of their friends and/or family. I always strive to make my kintsugi repairs a work of beauty and durability while providing exceptional customer service.
-Karen Ostergaard
Visiting Pompeii with my son - I love old stuff.