Vol. 4
Vol. 3
"Porcelain Echoes: Exploring the Duality of Fragility and Sturdiness"
In the delicate whisper of porcelain, I find a canvas for exploring the profound interplay between fragility and sturdiness. My work emerges from an intimate dance between these contrasting elements, where the ephemeral nature of porcelain meets the enduring strength it possesses.
Porcelain, with its translucent beauty and delicate demeanor, evokes notions of fragility. Yet, beneath its delicate surface lies a hidden resilience—a sturdiness that defies expectations. It is this paradoxical duality that captivates me, compelling me to delve deeper into its essence.
Through my artistic journey, I seek to uncover the intricate balance between vulnerability and resilience inherent in porcelain. Each piece I create embodies this delicate equilibrium, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragile nature of existence and the inherent strength required to navigate life's challenges.
In my exploration of porcelain, I embrace its fragility, allowing it to dictate the fluid forms and delicate textures that emerge. Yet, I also celebrate its inherent strength, harnessing it to defy gravity and push the boundaries of what is possible.
Just as life itself is a delicate balance of vulnerability and resilience, my ceramic creations serve as a reflection of this universal truth. They invite viewers to contemplate the beauty found in impermanence and the enduring spirit that resides within us all.
In the whispers of porcelain, I hear echoes of the human experience—fragile yet resilient, delicate yet strong. Through my art, I strive to capture these echoes and invite others to join me in a journey of contemplation and discovery.
Vol. 2
The end of my first year in Japan ended with a woodfire. I was a guest at Okajima San”s anagama kiln and a part of a strong team of local ceramists. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Naoki Kato who has been so welcoming since my arrival. I met him at Niwase studio in Okayama prefecture where he teaches ceramic classes. I have since been working in his studio alongside him and his assistant surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere.
Vol. 1
This easy-going local journalism zine contains allusions and soft egg puns. The intention is to draw attention to a few dangerous players and components of the Trump administration before the 2020 election. It’s digestible even to those family members you don’t talk to very often. At the very least reading the zine may lead to a discussion on toxic glue. The possibility of watching another 4 years go by in the absolute wrong direction on climate and the Prison Industrial Complex has brought me out of tinkering with my kiln mode. The zine seems appropriate when so much of our misinformation is handheld and accessible at all times! Except these do not come compatible with Wi-Fi and the unfortunate side effect of patriarchal opportunism in a corrupt capitalist system. Republicans will want to know! Are you losing your family member to depraved conspiracy theories? Try letting go, and picking up one of these zines! The farthest right-wing group in the House Republican Conference is chaired by a local Representative from Arizona but have no fear! Remain vigilant and refer to the zine. If we pass the zine we can feel close with others even at a safe distance. Pass the zine! Keep a safe distance! Especially from fascists! Vote!
It starts with fire
Watch my good friend Kiok load the furnace with scrap iron we reclaimed from smashing a bathtub with a sledgehammer. I created a packed sand mold of my folded wool sweater to create a dynamic base for a Raku-style vessel. I coated the iron in a hot copper patina which creates the orange finish. The low-fire ceramic glaze also contains copper. For generations, my family has worked in one of the largest copper mines in the world. View the finished work here.
