A young potter in the village of Mashiko creates ceramic works using local clay, turning them on a potter’s wheel and applying local glazes. He produces his own clay, purifying the soil himself, and mixes his own original glaze. Although most potters currently use electric turning wheels, he uses an old-fashioned kick wheel to produce his work in the traditional manner. The kick wheel gives the potter more control of the turning speed, resulting in pieces with a uniquely gentle aura that sets them subtly apart from pottery made on an electric wheel. His father is also a potter who creates works with a distinctive and dignified presence. Having grown up watching his father at work, our potter is now discovering his own personality as an artist, using his own methods.
