Meet Niki and Yusuke Tsukamoto, the artist duo behind Lookout & Wonderland—a creative practice shaped by their vision of authentic expression and well-being. Their collaborative work, blending Niki’s expertise as a fiber artist and herbalist with Yusuke’s skills as a graphic designer, painter, and creative director, is multifaceted yet often rooted in symbolism and plant-dyed textiles. Each piece is infused with the healing properties and color frequencies of plants, creating a unique sensory experience. During our visit to their studio in the forested hills of Los Angeles, we explored their beautiful studio space, got lost in the colors and symbols of their fabric pieces, and listened to the stories behind their embodied artistic practice.

Yusuke Tsukamoto, who also runs his graphic design/creative direction practice, moved to the U.S. from Chiba, Japan, in the late ’90s. While studying at an art school in San Francisco, he discovered silkscreen printing, which sparked a love for handmade art. In 2001, he relocated to Los Angeles, balancing his personal art practice with commercial work. Over time, his clientele expanded to include the apparel and hospitality industries, notably Ace Hotel. His multifaceted work—spanning painting, graphic design, branding, and creative direction—has honed his ability to navigate the creative process with great fluidity and a broad perspective.

Niki began working with fiber arts and studied herbalism in the mid '90s, eventually starting the Fiber Art Project—the precursor to Lookout & Wonderland—in 2004. She and Yusuke met through a joint art show, sparking a partnership that grew into an ever-evolving creative journey. Together, they launched Lookout & Wonderland in 2005 as a space to unite their artistic practices, driven by shared values of community care, sustainable living, and global well-being.

A visionary herbalist, Niki brings a spiritual element to her plant and textile-based creations. Her work is an ongoing embodied practice that explores the energetic properties of plant-derived colors and their subtle effects on the human psyche and body. Her Medicinal Magic Balm is a popular, deliciously soothing topical infused with herbal goodness, while her textile pieces adorn many homes, uplifting everyday moments. 

Lookout & Wonderland is a space where Niki and Yusuke’s creative spirits roam freely, breaking down conventional boundaries—work and life, personal and professional, functional and non-functional. Inspired by movements like the Wiener Werkstätte and Bauhaus, they embody the belief that life itself is the ultimate artwork. As we explore their studio, it becomes clear how this philosophy infuses their work with a tactile, soul-nourishing quality.

Niki and Yusuke’s dedication to community-building and handmade work resonates with Tsuchiya’s commitment to authentic craftsmanship. Over six decades of crafting leather bags, we have witnessed how thoughtful design and exceptional craft can infuse everyday life with a spirit of celebration and meaningful connection.

Niki wears the Editor Bloom Tote in Bordeaux, a warm, earthy color that pairs beautifully with the natural dye colors in her studio. "I love how elegant but still functional the bag is," she shares. "It’s roomy enough that I can carry around my planner and a book, but it’s not so big that’s unwieldy."

Although she initially intended to save it for special occasions, she now finds herself reaching for it regularly. "It’s so chic and the color is so beautiful , I usually just want to carry it for everyday."

Yusuke wears the Vintage Olive Roadster 3Way Backpack—a versatile design that can be carried over the shoulder, by hand, or as a backpack. Yusuke appreciates the simple yet sleek design and durable construction, which makes it especially suited for the frequent traveler that he is. "I can easily fit my laptop and everything I need for work meetings," he comments.