Yoko Kubrick Japanese / Czech / American, b. 1989

Yoko Kubrick is a Japanese-American sculptor based in Northern California whose abstract works draw inspiration from natural forms, figuration, and the rich narratives of mythology. Her sculptures explore universal symbols and archetypes that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, reflecting a profound engagement with the collective unconscious. Kubrick’s artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that certain shapes and motifs resonate deeply within the human psyche, evoking a shared visual and emotional language across civilizations.

Born on Guam and shaped by a multicultural upbringing—including formative years in her father’s native Czechoslovakia—Kubrick’s work reflects a distinctive cross-cultural perspective. As the first American-born member of her family, she weaves her diverse heritage into her practice, bridging disparate traditions and sensibilities. Her preference for materials such as marble, bronze, and natural stone underscores her reverence for the earth, celebrating its timeless beauty and materiality.

Kubrick’s sculptures inhabit the intersection of abstraction and figuration, merging the sensuality of natural forms—flowers, curves, and landscapes—with elements inspired by mythology and the human spirit. Her work draws from the pioneering vision of modernist sculptors such as Constantin Brancusi, Jean Arp, Barbara Hepworth, and Isamu Noguchi, as well as the emotive minimalism of Georgia O’Keeffe. Through these influences, Kubrick channels a refined exploration of emotion, form, and storytelling.

Kubrick holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University. Her technical expertise was honed through traditional atelier training, where she mastered bronze casting, fabrication, and marble carving.

Having lived in Guam, Hawaii, and California, with summers spent immersed in the cultural heritage of the Czech Republic, Kubrick developed a lifelong fascination with mythology, storytelling, and the interconnectedness of symbols and traditions. Her work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions and publications and is part of permanent installations in public spaces and private collections worldwide.