2019 Wille Sundqvist and Bill Coperthwaite Slöjd Fellowship recipient Masashi Kutsuwa
Anyone who has met Masashi Kutsuwa would understand the big smile that appeared on my face when, at Täljfest, Peter Lamb announced that he had been awarded the 2019 Wille Sundqvist and Bill Coperthwaite Slöjd Fellowship.
Lie-Nielsen 2015. Photo by Colin Hayward
I had the pleasure of meeting Masashi in 2015 in Maine at a Lie-Nielsen class taught by Jögge Sundqvist. It was an incredible group gathered there, and Masashi was fascinating to talk with. He also brought some wonderful spoons and other pieces from Japan.
Masashi Kutsuwa, Kenneth Kortemeier , and Eric Goodson at Lie-Nielsen in 2015. Photo by Peter Follansbee
Masashi is a widely accomplished craftsman and ambassador for handcrafts. He is richly deserving of this award.
Click on the link below for more information about the award and Masashi:
2019 Slöjd Fellowship Press Release
Which brings me back around to Peter Lamb, the maker of the birch bark certificate, close friend of Bill Coperthwaite, and tireless explorer and supporter of handcrafts. There’s much more to know about Peter and his insights into the importance of working with our hands. I highly recommend getting a copy of the latest issue (Issue 7) of Mortise and Tenon Magazine. It features an interview with Peter Lamb in which he shares his rich experiences and thoughts.
This is another great issue from Joshua Klein and his crew at Mortise and Tenon.
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
I was just reading the interview with Mr. Lamb while enjoying my morning coffee. Great interview.
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Congratulations Masashi!
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So good to see Masashi receive the award! Such a kind, open-hearted soul. Your post made me look back through my blog for photos of the spoons he brought, and they really were amazing. That lacquered eater was just luscious, and the carving on the Ainu ladle got me thinking in new directions. Does he teach in the US at all?
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Yes, wonderful spoons Eric. I made a sketch of that Ainu ladle handle based on one of your photographs. Masashi taught and lectured at Wood Week at North House Folk School in March earlier this year.
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Bravo on his selection!
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