Natural Wonder
Renowned artist Yuri Tsuzuki merges strength and softness in her multimedia works
The Weekender features an ever-changing cast of guest editors who bring their unique perspective and experiences. There is no better lens for exploring the South than through its distinctive people.
CELEBRATED ARTIST YURI TSUZUKI’s work evokes the spirit of nature with a poetic resonance. Known for her large-scale steel sculptures and thought-provoking installations, Tsuzuki, whose studio is in Greenville, South Carolina, weaves together elements of light, movement, and organic forms to create immersive experiences that inspire connection and reflection. From her acclaimed Butterfly Project and sculptures, to her abstract paintings, Yuri’s work embodies a profound sense of place and reverence for our natural world. In our Weekender Q&A, she reveals current projects and a glimpse into her faceted life. V
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? »
Navigation. Cardinal points. Longitude and latitude. Map coordinates.
Growing up, there were always maps—logs of places traveled, highlighted old road closures, and forests that no longer existed.
What is a map but a DIY diagram to guide us and make us think we’re in control? But we know that maps are just an illusion. The world is not tidy with vertical and horizontal boundaries.
Newsflash: birds don’t care about our maps.
That said, I’d rather have a compass since my new painting series is titled Hidden Maps.
WHAT ARE YOU READING? »
The Cosmic Dance: Finding Patterns and Pathways in a Chaotic Universe by Stephen Elcock. Here’s a quote: “By looking down, I see upward. By looking up, I see downward.” Now, that’s a tipsy turkey for you.
WHO’S YOUR INSPIRATION? »
Christo and Jeanne-Claude—the renowned environmental artists known for wrapping L’Arc de Triomphe in Paris. As good friends and mentors, I had the privilege of collaborating with them on The Umbrellas, a cross-cultural initiative between California and Japan in the 1990s. They inspired me to create large-scale public sculptures and taught me how impactful public art can be for a community.
WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? »
You know what makes me smile? We all have gripes about work. I recall my internship in the photography department at the Museum of Modern Art where I transcribed the original letters between artists like Alfred Stieglitz, Ansel Adams, and Georgia O’Keeffe. My biggest complaint to my friends after work? “Stieglitz’s handwriting is so atrocious!” I would rub my temples and sigh. That memory still brings a smile to my face. How ridiculous.
SWEET OR SAVORY? »
I’m a sweet tooth enthusiast! To celebrate my milestone 30th birthday, I chose the iconic La Côte Basque in NYC. The towering desserts kept arriving and I jokingly asked if they needed an assistant. To my surprise, Chef Richard took me up on it!
The following week, I found myself alongside him, creating architecturally viable desserts.
Okay, so mine didn’t always turn out as planned—they’d often topple over on the plate! But that’s what I’d be doing now if I weren’t working in steel and paint—mastering edible art, or as I call it, “sculpture for the stomach.”
ANY NEW PROJECTS? »
I’ve designed my first collection of furoshiki textiles in collaboration with Porch and Parlour Home. Furoshiki is a traditional way of gift wrapping in Japan that is eco-friendly and based solely on knots. No tape, string, or boxes are necessary. I think it’s wonderful that the knot symbolizes friendship and connection, and represents the love and thoughtfulness we share when giving gifts.
To purchase Yuri’s original furoshiki, go to Porch and Parlour Home.
Obsessed with the textile work! Very cool piece- thank you helping a legendary artist reach more eyes.