Terumi Saito

Terumi Saito (b. Shizuoka, Japan) is a New York-based Japanese sculptor and designer who interweaves fiber art and ceramics. Saito’s work reimagines the traditional backstrap weaving technique, incorporating natural dyes and hand-built ceramics to expand and push the boundaries of these mediums. Her practice reflects a dedication to preserving tradition through a contemporary lens, exploring the intersections of past and present, tradition and innovation. With each creation, she seeks to demonstrate the transformative power of art to connect, inspire, and elevate the human experience.

Saito specializes in backstrap weaving, one of the earliest weaving techniques, with a rich heritage across Asia and Central and South America. Japan’s history of backstrap weaving dates to the Yayoi period (ca. 300 BCE– ca.300 CE). In this timeless art form, Saito discovers not only a means of artistic expression but also a deep connection to humanity’s shared heritage—a thread uniting us through cultural diversity and creative ingenuity. As she weaves together tradition and innovation, her practice embodies a spirit of exploration and discovery.

Saito has completed research projects and artist residencies in Japan, Peru, Guatemala, and the United States. She is a recipient of the Artist Studios Program at the Museum of Arts and Design; American Craft Council Artist Directory; Presidential Scholarship Award from Anderson Ranch Arts Center; Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Artist Residency; Vermont Studio Center Artist Residency and Grant Award; Arquetopia International Artist Residency in Urubamba, Peru.​ Saito’s work has been exhibited at venues such as Mana Contemporary; Forecast Gallery; Houston Center for Contemporary Craft; Artexpo New York; Spectrum Miami; New York Textile Month and Portland Textile Month and featured in publications like Harper’s Bazaar UK, Interior Design Magazine, American Craft Council’s American Craft magazine, Surface Design Journal. Saito holds an MFA in Textiles from Parsons School of Design and a BFA in Graphic Design from Tama Art University.