sculpting and handbuilding by Claire Loder

I am delighted to introduce a newly published ceramic book “sculpting and handbuilding” by Claire Loder. This book carefully shows various techniques as well as inspirations and artistic input from many artists including herself. I found her approach to this book is sound, straight forward and friendly without too many jargons that you may often find in other ceramic books. It is also written in a quite open way for the readers to explore, which made me want to do more non-throwing work! 

And Look! There are some images of my work both finished one and in progress, my studio and sketchbook!! Such an honour to be part of this book among many established artists. Claire has been one of much admired artists to me and I am so happy to see that her book has come out wonderfully. 

“sculpting and handbilding” is available from Bloomsbury. You can order from here. xm 

me & wheel & someone in between

This photo was taken at the end of last month, on my last day of running the workshop. Since then, I have been continuously working at my home studio making more items for Autumn orders, mixing glazes and doing odd jobs here and there up to quite recently. But now, it’s a time to take an official break (till when there is no more break!), as it is no longer physically possible to do much due to someone in between me and my wheel. 

For those who knew this news, thank you for your support, wise advice and warm encouragement all the way. For those who didn’t, hope you can enjoy a whole new journey with me from now on too! xm

HELP JAPAN PROJECT Final Report

A HUGE THANK YOU 

to everyone who has contributed to HELP JAPAN Project. As all stock of HELP JAPAN birds were sold at HELP JAPAN Special, I have finally donated £442.51 (67,378 JPY) that was raised this time around to Miyagi Orphans Fund at the end of May. (its receipt is below) 

For those who do not know about this project, just briefly… I have been doing this fundraising project since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 to support Japan’s recovery, and collected donations by selling my ceramic work online to the world wide. The very first HELP JAPAN 1000 Birds Project in 2011 raised £4933.20 with 1000 birds, which was donated to Japan Red Cross. (you can see the detailed result here and here) Then HELP JAPAN Project 2 in 2012 raised £3600 with additional birds and limited editions of the light of hope candle holders, which was donated directly to Minamisanriku Cho. (you can see the detailed result here) So in total, we have raised £8975.71. What a fantastic result! The project has never been so successful without your kind support. Thank you so so much! 

The project itself has now closed, but my thought toward people who have suffered and are still facing hardship is ongoing. Sincerely wishing for safe and sound life to be back on their feet. xm 

recent rakugaki

almost ready to pack and post.  xm