Terumi Saito

Terumi Saito (b. Shizuoka, Japan) is a New York–based artist and designer whose practice interweaves textile and ceramic traditions, exploring cultural memory, material transformation, and the intersection of craft and contemporary art. Reimagining ancient techniques, she merges fiber and clay into sculptural forms that reflect on the continuity between body, landscape, and craft heritage.

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. In the past, Saito has conducted research and residencies in regions where endangered backstrap weaving traditions remain active, including programs with master weavers in Peru and Guatemala.

Her work has been exhibited internationally including Mana Contemporary, Noguchi Museum, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Alcova Miami, Felix LA, Artexpo New York, Spectrum Miami, Strohl Art Center Chautauqua Institution, Sagtikos Art Gallery, Forecast Gallery, and Volume Gallery. Saito is a recipient of the Artist Studios Program at the Museum of Arts and Design; American Craft Council Artist Directory; The Peter S. Reed Foundation Grant Award; Crafting the Future(CTF) BIPOC Fund Award; 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. Her recent talks include NYCxDESIGN, Villa Albertine, Museum of Arts and Design, Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), New York Textile Month, and Portland Textile Month. She has been featured in press such as COOL HUNTING, Wallpaper, ELLE Decoration, Milk Decoration, MANERA Magazine, Glocal Design Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, L’Officiel, Harper’s Bazaar, Interior Furniture Design Magazine, and American Craft magazine. Saito holds an MFA in Textiles from Parsons School of Design in New York and a BFA in Graphic Design from Tama Art University in Tokyo, Japan. Saito has been based in New York City since 2016, where she lives and works as an artist and graphic designer.