Yumiko Goto
Biography
Yumiko Goto manipulates clay into abstracted collages of natural elements and natural forces, allowing it to simultaneously express and defy its own inherent qualities. A heavy, raw and cracked surface may, for example, be punctuated by an impossibly delicate and beautifully glazed rococo construction that seems as natural as an exotic coral yet almost alchemical in its presence. Her ceramic sculpture, whether on the wall, floor, or tabletop, draws viewers to its rich and varied surfaces, often rewarding close viewing with puzzled delight.
"My artwork and creative motivation always come from a close observation of nature and encountering unexpected, everyday phenomena. I am especially drawn to the quiet and static forms of plants and minerals. "Pushing Boundary" is a series of multi-media sculptures that address the relationship between humans, the natural environment and our innate desire to control. We clear out unruly vegetation and then plant orderly saplings in residential areas. Yet still, tiny sprouts push their way out from the cracks of buildings. Looking at the neatly trimmed square bushes and the houses entirely devoured by ivy, I find the relationship between the builder and the natural forces fascinating. "Pushing Boundary" presents an exuberant visual experience of these peculiar phenomena and provides an opportunity for viewers to reflect on our behavior in caring for our extraordinary and
ephemeral natural world."
Yumiko Goto received her MFA from School of Art and Art History, University of Florida and her BFA from Cleveland Institute of Art for Ceramics and Enamel. SHe has shown at River Gallery, Lakewood, OH; Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi, MS; The Borell-Edwards gallery, Lawrenceville, PA; Planet Art Gallery, Mt. Lebanon, PA; Warp House Gallery; Gainesville, FL; and more.
