Spoon Curving Workshop with Smallpod

Why are architects carving wooden spoons?

Keisuke and Yoshiko both studied architecture at Tokyo University of the Arts and continue to work as architects today. During the pandemic, Keisuke stumbled across videos online of craftspeople carving bowls and spoons with axes and knives and decided he had to try it himself. He began testing different shapes and sizes, using the pieces in everyday meals, and gradually started applying lacquer finishes. The work of architecture at a vast scale, and the work of carving a single vessel from a single branch  both now form the core of what they do together.

What is Smallpond?

Their base is a bookshop in Kawaguchi, Saitama, a shop that Yoshiko's uncle ran for many years and that the family continues today. They carve inside the shop, surrounded by the many tree nurseries in the area, which provide a steady supply of pruned branches from garden trees and street trees. From those materials, loaded onto a bicycle for selling on the move, Smallpond was born. The project has since grown into art installations at major festivals including Woodturner's Apprentice Base (2022) and Lion Cub Drop at Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale and the North Alps Art Festival where they source materials on-site and work in residency.

Where does the wood come from?

While meeting with Keisuke and Yoshiko at the studio recently, we noticed a cherry tree being felled right outside a tree that had become a risk of falling. We asked, and were lucky enough to be given some of the branches on the spot. We're curious what we'll find in the wood: the environment it grew in, the years it lived. We want to discover that through carving.

We'll also have a second wood on the day, timber sourced from around Lake Yamanakako at 1,000 metres elevation, so participants can carve from both and feel the difference.

I've never carved before, will I finish in time?

Yes. Keisuke and Yoshiko will guide you through every step, so complete beginners are very welcome. Everyone finishes their spoon within the session.

Can I use my spoon the same day?

Yes. Once your spoon is finished, you'll use it to eat ice cream from KAIKO COFFEE, which shares the building with the studio (included in the workshop fee). Scooping ice cream with a spoon you carved yourself  that moment is part of the workshop.

Can I buy pieces by Keisuke and Yoshiko?

Yes. alongside the workshop, there will be a pop-up selling finished work: lacquered wooden bowls, spoons, forks, and more. A chance to hold the pieces in your hands and take one home.

How do I reserve a spot?

Reservations can be made via the Link Collective website, or through our Instagram DM or Story link.