tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20962261098559343732024-03-13T22:42:18.539+00:00shin shinshin shin | makiko hastings blogmakiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-67641372978956136432019-09-14T08:38:00.000+01:002019-09-18T06:36:49.072+01:00little postcard home<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">summer 2019 Japan</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; min-height: 22px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">my little keepsake.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmna8TllI9nh3-MLLdQyTaGC_iD5uInN4N8W1SiXGlO7PC7UhFy1efIEl1P9ta7TALa5GtnWcfmSqmC0RuyFoyR3bMer01R1EVCjPbp5NU0bqXOOZyf69f-l_1fRbyD7ekeATw0xSYluH/s1600/day4+slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmna8TllI9nh3-MLLdQyTaGC_iD5uInN4N8W1SiXGlO7PC7UhFy1efIEl1P9ta7TALa5GtnWcfmSqmC0RuyFoyR3bMer01R1EVCjPbp5NU0bqXOOZyf69f-l_1fRbyD7ekeATw0xSYluH/s640/day4+slide1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">summer joy</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">on to the ground. nothing stops this little one to hold the moment. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">stepping outside. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">space of freedom. sound of cicada. beaming sun on her arms. heights of nekojyarashi. echoing laughters. splash of water. sweaty T-shirts and muddy pants.</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">her joy overlaps with my sensation more than four decades ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">funny how vividly I can remember such joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">today’s climate has significantly changed comparing to my childhood, which sadly impacted on how ‘less’ they can be playing outside in summer here, but the energy for play has not changed. we are all born from this soil to free ourselves.</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">now I am thinking about our task. that we have to work hard for this soil to last longer for them and the future generation, so they can feel the summer joy too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RLvJ1DAvwJnauNYXGLqXMEpXtk33KWwJmdx_eY8itvslZy5YHuX2BN5eaes_50hqBoaQVDjl0OUFjpzeWSAiwLC6q0EgMShh-3j6NDMmBMKGtyEFUeKYYsoz07QusebNiJuozwBzoUKj/s1600/day6+playtime2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RLvJ1DAvwJnauNYXGLqXMEpXtk33KWwJmdx_eY8itvslZy5YHuX2BN5eaes_50hqBoaQVDjl0OUFjpzeWSAiwLC6q0EgMShh-3j6NDMmBMKGtyEFUeKYYsoz07QusebNiJuozwBzoUKj/s640/day6+playtime2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">first day</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">first day.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">nervousness kicks in. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your tummy seems to be louder. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your hands seem to be stickier to hold mine.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your skins seem to be stiffer to smile. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your legs seem to be slower. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">saying good day to you was the hardest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I know because I was there too.</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">second day. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your tummy seems to be hopping. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your hands seem to be wiggling. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your skins seem to be softer to smile. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your legs seem to be faster to skip. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">saying good day to you was delight. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">you already made a friend.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">your ability amazes me.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I sure know I was there too but I cannot remember how I did. </span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">If I knew the answer, surely I don’t struggle like I do now. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qU6J_or5dUN6-ksQXQFr8VM22HIfL8GOGLUY4jx8HhBZPOkjYuyPBKVwQLhot2A9Yl2T13pTBkR8Me5KhvLpi4WepGPmVMoTQ0rSwOZBF5B7_s9METZfArl9umiUJ43xEQEhz8MOAcFp/s1600/day7+painting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qU6J_or5dUN6-ksQXQFr8VM22HIfL8GOGLUY4jx8HhBZPOkjYuyPBKVwQLhot2A9Yl2T13pTBkR8Me5KhvLpi4WepGPmVMoTQ0rSwOZBF5B7_s9METZfArl9umiUJ43xEQEhz8MOAcFp/s640/day7+painting2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "helvetica"; text-align: start;">無限大</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10px;">(i like this one in Japanese </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: xx-small;">particular, but my nearest translation in English will follow)</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">あかいせん</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">ちゃいろいはし</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">はなまる</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">しんかんせん と おひさま</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">にじ</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">くさ と すべりだい</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">あおぞら と クレーンしゃ</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ないてるかお</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">わらってるかお</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">いちばんぼし のれんしゅう</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">ちからもちになったきぶん</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">ねこじゃらし</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">えぷろんしているおかあさんがパンケーキをつくってる、ポーンって</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">それをみておどろいているわたし</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">「なんでもいい」って無限大。</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">出てくる 出てくる 無限大。</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">なのに、「なんでもいい」がいつから難しくなったのかな。</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">書けない、描けない、無限大。</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "avenir";"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "avenir";">limitless </span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">red line</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">brown bridge</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">hanamaru</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">bullet train and sun</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">rainbow</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">grass and slide</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">blue sly and mobile crane</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">crying face smiling face</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">practising stars</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">feeling of being powerful</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">nekojyarashi</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">mummy making pancake with an apron on, then flipping a pan like this (insert movement sound)</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">and i’m watching like ‘wow’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">anything is limitless</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">everything is limitless</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">never stopping limitless</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">but somehow that limitless has become difficult</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">can’t write that limitless</span></div>
can’t draw that limitless </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BqJnb3a9DWwkwtdjNdzHVv5chk0N4CAKDhj8iDEEv2LMva1j9yk1wXgre0_fDK87q2lkXOTRVHccgpugbbnd5tQoJ3I9ZCOhIH36Xz4xnj2PfQzyTD_GzOYWFM4fn2XSxRysYrxenSNo/s1600/day5+morning+scene1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BqJnb3a9DWwkwtdjNdzHVv5chk0N4CAKDhj8iDEEv2LMva1j9yk1wXgre0_fDK87q2lkXOTRVHccgpugbbnd5tQoJ3I9ZCOhIH36Xz4xnj2PfQzyTD_GzOYWFM4fn2XSxRysYrxenSNo/s640/day5+morning+scene1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">i love you </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">i love you</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">i love you</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">the word i did not know when i was you</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">i love you </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">i love you </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">i love you </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "avenir";">Many thanks to </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Avenir;"><a href="https://www.ourstorytime.co.uk/" target="_blank">Huma</a></b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "avenir";"> for inspiring me to write as I am.</span></span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-45465854009346062692019-07-01T07:00:00.000+01:002019-07-01T11:01:23.233+01:002 year review (managing my small business and life with family) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Hello there. This is a belated post to share, since I was going to write this last month but better than never, right? (part of my learning about priority, if I might add?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Two years (and a month) ago,<u> <a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2017/05/new-start.html" target="_blank">I quit my day job</a></u> as a pottery workshop instructor for people with learning difficulties and different support needs, followed by my long career in social care. It was definitely a big step for me, to leave a financial security and to enter unknown of sorely self employed business. Was I confident? Absolutely not. This was probably the biggest leap I took in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There were two main reasons for the big leap. Practicality and pursuit of my once-hidden dream to be a potter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Most of my salary went straight into our daughter’s nursery fee. Prior to her school, my husband and I discussed the practicality, such as school holidays and other needs that came up as our concern. My employment was throughout the year including Easter and summer holiday so it was almost impossible for us to manage within just annual leave, without family support (which we do not have) or child care. Since nursery fee will be no longer required, we decided it’s a time. To change my direction to be sorely self employed and to look after our daughter, rather than continuing my day job and paying someone else for a child care. It felt like the most reasonable timing to take that leap toward my dream to become a potter. (Just note that I totally understand this does not work for everyone, so I have no offence for people who choose a child care for their option.) My target was set to allow the first few years to establish financially. It has not been easy but I have never looked back my day job ever since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyway, I have decided to write my reflection of learning from past two years of my small business. This review is primarily about my business, however, it involves working around with family significantly so you will see I mentioned that here and there. Writing does help me reinforce my learning. By sharing it, I hope some of you may find this helpful. Obviously this is entirely my own reflection being a potter and a mum to an early age schooler, and it may not be useful for everybody. However, I believe ‘checking in’ like this yearly (or whatever the length of time you choose) would help, be it your own business, family life or anything that important to you, so I’d totally recommend to take time to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some of my points might be duplicated in some ways or other, but here it goes. 8 tips I learnt on my two year small business and working around with family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1. Drop a super woman badge</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">No, I am not a super woman. I cannot do everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This may sound <i>silly</i> but honestly was the most crucial mindset changer for me. I needed to unpack my ingrained habit A LOT. If you are a perfectionist, you may resonate with this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I grew up watching my mum, who was a house wife who looked after three children whilst my dad was earning sorely, although this was quite common in Japan. My mum rarely had a voice or stood up to my dad. When I behaved badly, my mum got told off by my dad and she contained the blame. My mum always said, “you need to ask your dad, first.” “He is in charge.” From a young age, I learnt some kind of discomfort of not earning your own money. I aimed not to be a house wife. I did not have much desire to have my own children to be honest. I have always worked. Even when I was studying (both student time and mature student time during my degree study) I was always working. Working gave me flexibility, independency and financial stability, especially since I divorced with my abusive ex-husband. Luckily I enjoyed most of the work I did, or at least found an incentive to keep going. But at the same time it has created self criticism. When I wasn’t working, I felt guilty or being lazy. When I wasn't working enough, I felt insecure or even somehow incomplete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So when I returned to work after maternity leave, with my daughter who was born with <u><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-little-fighters-2013.html" target="_blank">severe medical condition</a></u>, I had to face a huge difficulty. It was difficult to balance my life with work, house chores, parenting and everything else. I’ve cut down hours to part-time, which made me feel less independent. Inability to do ‘all well<i> </i>enough<i>’</i> frustrated me and often criticised myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Becoming self employed was supposed to be a helpful plan to adjust such stressful thinking I had, but in fact I was feeling terrible more often than not. Because I was looking at what I did not manage to do, most of the time! I was carrying a badge of a super woman of “wanting to do all well.” After many emotional and physical overwhelms and breakdowns, I had to gradually but ‘consciously’ let that slide, by focusing on the priority one at a time, and accept the fact that I cannot deal with all and that it is ok. Acknowledging my habit was hard but necessary. Acceptance without feeling bad about myself was hard, but necessary. A super woman badge definitely had to go and it was well overdue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2. Lower your expectation / Be realistic </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Dropping your super badge also means lowering your expectation. Because if you are a perfectionist, or even simply you love working hard, your own expectation is usually up high, and quite frankly, unrealistic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To me, transition from the nursery to school was particularly difficult. Firstly, school hours are not even comparison to the nursery hours. (She was at nursery 8-5. School is 9-3. Nursery opens throughout the year apart from bank holidays and Christmas. School holidays are nightmare, just to remind you!) So yes, my working hours have significantly reduced. I compensate this by working in evenings and weekends, but not always possible nor practical. So I have to admit that and work around the reality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Secondly, my daughter’s needs have actually increased in a ‘different’ way. She can get sick. She requires more emotional support. She brings homework. In addition to that my girl goes to a Japanese school on Saturday morning and I help out there. If you think babies and toddlers are more difficult, wait for it! I guess, when she grew a bit older, the things might change of course. But for now, I did not want to miss any sign of her worries if any, so spending time with her has become my priority, especially when she was struggling to settle in school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tune into your ‘current’ life needs. Be realistic with planning. Lower your expectation so that you have a space to be able to handle any unexpected need. (i.g. child’s sickness / unexpected urgent tasks etc) These tips all helped me, although I am still learning all the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>3. Plan ahead </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Are you a list person? I am! I have always written to do list in my diary, along with all schedule of work and family. But the list can easily get too overwhelmed and uncontrollable! So I have started to separate the work plan from my diary, and made my own monthly and annual planner templates that I can type in print / also pencil in. Planning ahead definitely helps me work as productively and smoothly as possible. Finding the most suitable way to plan ahead may require a bit of trial and error. This is how I did and so far I find it working for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For a monthly planner, each date has three sections; morning, afternoon and evening. Firstly I fill everything that I have already fixed, including school holidays. (colour coded with school stuff, family stuff, private stuff such as E-courses or attending events. I love colour code!) By doing this, I can clearly visualise how much space (how less more like!) I have for my studio time. Then, start to plan my studio work with a target date (or deadline) for making for orders, shows and online shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For an annual planner, I slot events and so on, and rough numbers of items to be made for. Once I know how much making time I have (I consider from throwing to glaze firing, admin and packing) then I can estimate how many orders I can have in a year. Slotting the estimate in the planning sheet will enable me to know when I can complete my work for each clients. Bulk of my income is from trade at the moment. Most of trade customers require a lead time when taking orders. In my first year, I completely failed on this, without knowing ‘exactly’ how long I needed. As a result, I worked non-stop to meet <i>thier </i>expectation / lead time. This was completely wrong way round. YOU DECIDE YOUR LEAD-TIME. And in order to do that, you will need to know what your time / capacity is prior to that. Well, you will need to experience first to know exact numbers, so in a way a bit of catch 22 to start with!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">How far ahead you are going to plan is depending on your business style I guess. My work plan is now roughly done up to the end of 2020. This may sound a bit far for some people, but application of large ceramic shows will start quite early in general. It still has rooms to adjust and add, and obviously things can be changed. However, knowing it in advance makes easier for me to see a bigger picture both financially and practically, also enable me to plan something different or time consuming (new idea, new practice etc). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>4. Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Setting boundaries is a MUST HAVE skill. Oh, I’ve learnt hard way! (ha ha ha) Here are some examples with comparison to what I used to do without boundaries. </span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">You don’t have to reply to all Email. You are not obliged to do so. (and I used to do so)</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">You don’t have to do the task right now just because it came urgent. YOU decide which one is urgent. (and I used to panic and do it all once.) </span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">You don’t have to stick your head up in every single places that you feel you’d better do. Just because you feel, you don’t have to. (and yes, I used to stretch too much!) </span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">You don’t have to follow advice for what works for others. Even from someone who you admire. Their time management, frequency to send newsletter etc are theirs. You need to define yours to suit your capacity. </span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I think boundaries come with understanding your priority. Your priority is yours, not <i>theirs</i>. Boundaries can be set for pretty much everything. Email enquiries, communication with your client, social media platform, phone calls, friendship, extended family circle, school activity volunteer, I mean everything. Of course, you want to be flexible and sometimes required to be so, but making the boundary blur often leads to unwanted stress or even a danger in my experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>5. Learn to say NO without feeling guilty</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Alongside with setting boundaries, it is also crucial to learn how to say no. AND not to feel guilty about it! I used to find this one so hard, and guess many of you might be the same. Because in general, we want to be nice to people, right? But in fact, the more you learn to say no, the smoother and easier your business can be run. And remember, saying no doesn’t make you a bad person!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My example can be, saying no to S.O.R. (sale or return) clients. I mean, unless you have plenty of time to make work, you spent your ‘limited’ time making for practically ‘renting’ your work and waiting to be paid later. This does not sustain my business. So I have declined most of SOR now, apart from some existing clients who have sold quickly or exhibition (because it’s temporary). On my first year, I took too many SOR, because I was hesitant to say no. Now I have set target with clear numbers for existing SOR, so come September I will be reviewing and withdrawing those who didn’t meet my target by then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Also for trades and any other collaboration enquiries, I have set another measurement on who I would like to work with, such as diversity and inclusion. If my value does not meet with their approach, why should I work with them to meet their need? The requirement need to be met in as equal measurement as possible. Weighing too much on one side is not workable for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>6. Listen to your body</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Call for action for all hardworking people. Listen to your body. Full stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>7. Ask for help</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you can outsource help in your business and that is your wish, that could be a solution. In my case, I like working myself in my studio, and checking what I do, at least for now. So outsourcing within my business is not what I am currently looking for. But instead, I look for where I can off load my tasks outside of my business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am fortunate that my husband is a calm, grounded and more relaxed person. (basically nothing like me!) He holds a space for me to express overwhelms and stress. Nevertheless asking for help wasn’t always easy for me, especially when you are not a breadwinner. But to maintain a healthy relationship, being honest to each other is most important, whether you earn less or not. So I tell him what I find difficult or struggling with and what might be helpful for him to do instead of me doing, be it house chores or parenting chores etc. For instance, he is good at ironing and mending, so that is now his tasks. I cook weekdays, he cooks weekend. Some nights he does bed time routine so that I can work evening. This year he started to work at home once a week, so that day I get a little extension of my studio time, whilst he does school run. All these sharing daily tasks is an enormous help to keep me going. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We also involves our daughter to help out our daily routine, such as bringing dishes to/from table, hanging and folding washing etc. She gets to learn life skills, so it’s a win win! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">By the way, I’d strongly recommend “<u><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Wish-Your-Parents-Children/dp/0241250994/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=50696637822&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-HoBRD5ARIsAPIPend8Xz5j0EDG0UY4WqHz3sU2XxX4-DozrHaGamsrSXL5gDOCiBDzXOYaAj8jEALw_wcB&hvadid=259069095347&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9046309&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4900866188366970480&hvtargid=aud-612432642900%3Akwd-317712692617&hydadcr=24399_1748859&keywords=philipa+perry&qid=1561926309&s=gateway&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)</a></u>” by Philippa Perry. The book is about parenting, but lots of useful information about relationship in there. Her approach of focusing on repair than rapture on communication is simply wonderful and wise. If you would like to be able to ask for help, the communication is a key. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>8. Recognise small achievement / Mistakes are learning curve, not a failure</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So I’ve talked about accepting what you cannot deal with, lowering your expectation, setting boundaries and saying no, all without feeling guilty. Someone like me will still think, “well, that all sounds like just doing less!” “Have I simply become lazier?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To tackle that negative thinking habit like I always had, instead I needed to recognise small achievement on each step, if possible daily. Achievement might not be visible or a concrete result. It can be less visible or even still in progress. But recognising that progress and telling myself what I have managed so far gives me a huge positive impact. This positive impact challenges my negative thinking habit and helps me move forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is easier said than done, I know. I am still a learner. But I believe this will strengthen me in a long run. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Since April, I have started to take a note of my small achievement. Just in a quick bullet point. In this notebook, I ONLY write positive outcomes. No matter how small they are. By physically writing it by hand, I am taking time for it, reinforcing it and hopefully making this into a habit of self acceptance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here are some examples I wrote:</span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">I set boundaries to the clients at BCTF and said no to SOR enquires. </span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">I unsubscribed newsletters that I no longer read.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">I was much more patient with my daughter today. We planted tomato seeds together, which she enjoyed.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">I wrote something personal but important on IG story today, for which I received many massages from other women. Knowing this was helpful for others really makes my heart full.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">I completed a large order to Japan and packed (10 boxes!). Invoice done. Phew! Satisfied!</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">My session with a therapist went well today. Feeling progress and I am happy about.</span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In addition to that, I always believe making mistakes is an essential part of learning and not entirely a failure. Just to remind you that I have learnt by doing my first year of business ‘quite badly’, so that now I can put these 8 learning tips out here. That itself is a huge achievement for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So that was that. Hope any of these I mentioned was helpful for you. If you have any suggestions that you would like to share, please feel free to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you for reading. m x </span></div>
<br />makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-35204176946501362492019-05-20T09:03:00.003+01:002022-05-09T12:49:37.955+01:00Naming DOES matter (my thought on cultural appropriation) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJieGqYvYbw0PrN13nZS4lVkXylJDyt4th0CO4WmsrWzsdN5ft09g-NUEK8B3AqJjj6ch0Pys3aLvPv2lzkJJDnAbQdWUyweoraPXosja5Njy5Z0AsKde5CZQv3LhbNXh9o02Pt_ICWiux/s1600/img028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="918" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJieGqYvYbw0PrN13nZS4lVkXylJDyt4th0CO4WmsrWzsdN5ft09g-NUEK8B3AqJjj6ch0Pys3aLvPv2lzkJJDnAbQdWUyweoraPXosja5Njy5Z0AsKde5CZQv3LhbNXh9o02Pt_ICWiux/s400/img028.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">my mum and four year old me standing in front of </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-kerning: none;">our home </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">on the day of the entry ceremony of nursery. </span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">On calling out.</b></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The recent feed of </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlecreativefactory/" target="_blank">@littlecreativefactory</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, showcasing their new collection called “wabi sabi” that has nothing to do with it, has deeply upset me. I found it irritating and insulting. It followed by </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/papercutpatterns/" target="_blank">@papercutpatterns</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, presenting non-buttoned top calling “kimono”, which then they’ve amended the name after the apology, whilst they wiped all the discussion, which is another problem in itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is not the first time, not even a small number. Wonky pot called wabi sabi. T-shirts printed random Japanese words that make no sense. I’ve seen them over and over again in the West, well before Instagram. I am sick and tired of seeing people mocking our Japanese culture, whilst they are innocently claimed themselves “inspired by”. And seeing those who continue to voice and call out brands to work better so we can be in the better place, but instead they almost always end up facing the fragility of people who cannot see the problem (or try to ignore it) and having to deal with microaggression, simply makes my blood boil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Calling out for cultural appropriation is a way to make people aware of that which they cannot see themselves and unfortunately this blindness seems to be happening too often. I can think it is an act of kindness to call out in the hope to create a safe space with no harm. Not acknowledging the harm is dangerous for people on the receiving end. Silence is not kindness. I am more than sad, I am angry and hurt. This blog post is about my honest thoughts on cultural appropriation from the perspective as a Japanese and a maker, and at first and foremost as a human being.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Where is the line?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I must admit I have carried a mixed feeling for some time, when I saw our cultural words were used wrongly. Because I can see their interest. Because I would like more people to get to know our culture. There’s a grey area that we often question how far is ok and not ok. When the grey area get pushed, something worse can happen, and it did as I’ve experienced it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am not saying you cannot be inspired by other culture. <b>We all get inspired</b> by something, somewhere, someone. I acknowledge how much Westerners are attracted to Japan. For its mystery. We are often “fantasised”. As I came to study English language in UK, I was inspired too by English language for the communication possibility and seeing the world outside Japan. Of course I understand so well that many people who are interested in learning about foreign country, culture and language. I understand people want to visit or even live in Japan. If you are one of them, good for you. I encourage you. Because that is a start of learning about other culture and people. Through the real living experience and conversation with people of origin. You can’t just get it from the book or screen. What you have fantasised might transcend to a much deeper meaning and understanding than you had before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">However.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just because you are inspired by Japanese culture or aesthetic, or read some of it, I don’t believe you are entitled to use it in whatever way you want for a mere profit, like naming your products “kimono” or “wabi sabi” that has NOTHING to do with them. Unlike just translating more generic words like ‘flowers’ and ‘stone’ that everybody knows, “kimono” and “wabi sabi”are some of many examples of our cultural words, that have been existing and deeply living only within Japanese people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Oh, but, those words are everywhere now. Everyone uses them, so what’s the problem? You may ask. <b>The problem is the fact that everyone is using it so lightly.</b> Everyone is doing it, so everyone think they can do it too. When people in the West take over the foreign cultural words and make them “culturally acceptable” in their white centred term. It’s based on their power to “make it ok” and they propagate such ideas. And it’s done so lightly and no one questions the problem. It happens without respecting the foreign culture, without clear understanding and without considering the significant impact on those on the receiving end. It is offensive. It can lead to a from of racism that was built on such blindness and fragility. And it is worse when this happens a dominant culture - the power holder - appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For instance, “wabi sabi” is one of the Japanese expressions that we native people find it particularly difficult to articulate, and we hardly use it in our daily life, even though it is rooted deeply within our heart and time passing nature surround us. Whilst native Japanese struggle to express it and rarely use the term, how come Westerners can name as their products with it so easily? Honestly? It is frightening to see </span><span style="font-family: "hiragino maru gothic pro"; line-height: normal;">言葉の一人歩き**</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> happens from wilful ignorance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">** 言葉の一人歩き (<i>kotoba no hitori aruki</i>)<i> literally translates as “word walking on its own”. It’s the Japanese expression of the state of misused and misinterpreted information, that has nothing to do with the origin, are spreading selfishly in the society.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When I see our cultural words are used in the West time and time again, more often than not for their money sake, I get this agonising pain in my spine. That pain can be described as my feeling on the bottom line;</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Our cultural words are not your trend. Our culture is not your entertainment. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To me,<b> </b>being inspired is not enough. Because it does not measure the correctness. The correctness will require the level of respect toward the culture of origin and the level of understanding with all nuance and subtlety that won’t offend people from the origin. You cannot judge those levels by yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Defencelessness</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some of you may think or have said in such debate, too sensitive, too politically correct, too over-reacting, or even narrow minded. Do you know how I feel as I write this blog? I feel alone. I may have no back up. I feel totally defenceless. This is because;</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Firstly, I am not an educator, an author, a translator, or an expert. I am limited to explain effectively. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Secondly, because of the language. I have to exhaust my energy to tell people why I think it’s wrong in a foreign language (English). It took me a whole week to rewrite this over and over again and still feels not enough to explain it all. Quite likely so, many native Japanese (including those friends of mine who share their views) cannot communicate in English. Let alone use it for confrontation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thirdly, as you may know, Japanese are a nation of politeness. We are often too polite to confront for the sake of argument. We respect others and make peace within our heart. It is our nature, our social characteristic NOT to put opinion forward. (unfortunately it can be rather a weakness for us.) Then there are people outside who take advantage of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So in the end, we are often left watching the world abuse us. And it hurts. Cultural appropriation hurts people. It even triggers my anxiety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I feel this hurts more often and more acute lately than when I was living in Japan. This is quite likely my perception has changed a lot since I live in UK. (will talk about this later why) The truth is Japanese people’s reaction can vary. The degree of involvement and the focus on the matter can differ from people to people. As Emi Ito </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/little_kotos_closet/" target="_blank">@little_kotos_closet</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> said herself in her dedicated narrative on Kimono, not every native Japanese who live in Japan are concerning about cultural appropriation. But most of the case, they are not even aware of what’s happening in the West, because such debates do not happen in Japan as often as the outside of the country. They are not sunk in racial problem within their daily living in such mono-racial country. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But it doesn’t mean that you can ignore those who are aware and care. When people point out the lack of respect, those voices are totally valid. In fact those who are telling you it matters and hurts should be the utmost centre of care. I once talked about cultural appropriation in my past IG post, then now prior to this blog post, I have spoken to numbers of Japanese people including; those who live in Japan, those who live outside Japan, those who are biracial and carry Japanese heritage. Those who speak out their hurts are the centre of my attention and who I would like to support. And I really don’t believe anyone have the right to criticise that we (and those who speaks out) are too sensitive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>But what about Japan?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yes, Japanese people do that too. Japanese people also have the tendency to use foreign words, often ignorantly. If you have travelled the city of Tokyo, you would have probably noticed that there are many shops written in English logo. Every time I go back to Japan and see people wearing clothes with English words that make no sense, I often feel like crawling into a hole with embarrassment. Yes we seem to love using English in such ways, and it’s been happening a lot, especially since more and more Westernised we get. Must not forget the impact from America that effectively occupied Japan after the war and we’ve been significantly influenced by the white ideology. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is so apparent that people in Japan lack the awareness on cultural appropriation within such mono-racial society. It’s our weakness in defence. I believe this contributes to the reasons that why we won’t often get involved in the debate. Because how can we whilst we are doing so ourselves? As I said I have discussed with numbers of native Japanese people prior to this blog, and many have expressed this awkwardness. I admit Japanese people need to learn about cultural appropriation individually and collectively. More so makers and brands hold this responsible for impacting consumers, spreading the ignorance in the society, when we are doing incorrectly and naively. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Though almost having held back my voice with knowing own nation’s awkwardness in defence, I would like to express it from my personal point of view, after living a half of my life in Japan and another half in UK, seeing Japan and the world from this unique position. In my opinion, I still lean on to that there are more weight on the majority and believe that the power is laid on the whiteness in the West. My focus of frustration is the misuse of cultural related words and that seems to be happening more in the West. Or am I completely biased? Is this the view from someone who has experienced racism</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (as I wrote <i><u><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2019/01/why-i-have-been-hiding-behind-pretty.html" target="_blank">here</a></u></i>) in the white society? Is this because I am constantly questioning my identity? The more I see Japan from outside, the more I would like to protect my origin of culture, and the eagerer I am to pass down the true cultural influence to next generation, including my daughter. Is it wrong to wish to protect the culture of your origin? Is this desire relatable to anyone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The difference is that whist Japanese people live in Japan might withhold their voice in order to avoid confrontation or necessity, because they never experienced the trauma, that Japanese people outside of Japan might have had. And my ultimate bottom line - “Our cultural words are not your trend. Our culture is not your entertainment.” - have to be centred to those who are in the minority, who are are hurt and distressed by it. We have to be very mindful about that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>We all make mistakes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I name all of my pottery collection in Japanese. I know exactly what the name means. I can explain clearly why it is called that way and what idea goes behind it. If you are my customers, you know I do so clearly whenever I was asked. Some design of my work are inspired by my lived experience of non-Japanese element, but I still name it within my clear knowledge. I certainly don’t want to offend anyone from any foreign culture by using their words to name my work just for the sake of it. Because simply there is no reasons for me to do so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are makers of any products, be it a brand or small business (including myself), you have a responsibility to do it correctly, because you have the influence, be it small or large, to your customers and society, and more so if you are using the online world. If causing harm, whether it was intentional or not, you have to own the mistake and do better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ideally you do it right from the start, but unfortunately it is often not the case. We all make mistakes. The important part is to recognise the mistake, accept it, amend it accordingly and do better in the future. You tell that to your kids and you know that yourself, right? Please do not look away, ignore those who took time to call out, or offend them for worse. Please take your accountability to deal with the mistake. This is why having such conversation might be painful but so important as it is the work which is toward a healthy direction. Avoiding conversation is more harmful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>On <i>your</i> naming and <i>your</i> responsibility </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I said before, it is maker’s and brand’s responsibility to do it correctly. To emphasise that, if you are one of them, you can ask yourself question; </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Why do you want to name (or have already named) your selling products with a foreign cultural word? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Is it because it’s trendy? sounds cool? sounds better? catchy? sellable? inspired by? read a white American said it means ‘imperfect’? google translation said so and sounds about right? looks ‘kimono-enough’ to you? nobody in Japan offended you? your Japanese friend said ok so you felt you got a 'pass'?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then please question further. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Do you really think they are enough reasons to take advantage of our cultural words? Can you confidently explain to your customers? Have you involved people from the culture? How much consultation is enough? Who can pass it? Who gets to say ok? Have you ever thought of people who might be hurt from your products name? How are you going to respond to them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ultimately, does it really need to be called that?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">How far is ok or not ok might be down to the correctness. That might be measured by the level of respect that was shown to the culture of the origin, and the level of understanding. This validation can be quite different from the people in the culture living within to those who living outside, even though both are genuinely native to the origin. (as I explained previously) Well if you cannot measure it, then you cannot draw a line. Will this be forever blur?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Let me insert an example of exception here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Once I met an Australian potter called </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://euancraig.web.fc2.com/index.html" target="_blank">Euan Craig</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, (written a post </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2012/09/visiting-euan-craig.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">) who lives and works in Japan over 25 years now. Euan is drawn to the Japanese “mingei" influence and the philosophy learnt directly from his early career through apprenticeship to one of Japanese National Treasure. He has been creating his beautifully hand crafted pottery art to date. He is one of those people I call, “</span><span style="font-family: "hiragino maru gothic pro"; line-height: normal;">日本人より日本人らしい”</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> (nihon-jin yori nihon-jin rashii), translated as “more Japanese than Japanese”. He speaks fluent Japanese, dedicated the study of Japan and understands the culture to the subtlety and nuance we express. His respect is seen within his conversation. His humbleness is mirrored his work. He is someone I would probably never offend if he ever name his work, say “wabi sabi”. I wouldn’t call that cultural appropriation. Because the level of respect and understanding is so apparent to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yet, the truth is, he wouldn’t do it. Why would he? He deeply knows that such words should not be abused from the first place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Is that too extreme?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are truly inspired by the foreign culture, then you can pay the respect by finding the other way that people from the culture can feel appreciated, NOT appropriated. You are the power holder. Use your privilege to lift them up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our cultural words are not your trend. Our culture is not your entertainment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you want to name your selling products with a foreign word, think again. Naming DOES matter. Please don’t take it lightly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am summing up with the beautiful expression by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maiko.hikosaka/" target="_blank"> <u>@maiko.hikosaka</u></a></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">;</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>“If you have enough creativity, respect and dignity as a human being, you surely won’t need to culturally appropriate and make a living off of it.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Ending note</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some of you might know that I have contributed to the recent book “wabi sabi” by British author <u><a href="https://bethkempton.com/" target="_blank">Beth Kempton</a></u>. In case you may see this as a contradiction to what I said, I would like to add this as an ending note.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To be frankly honest, when Beth first approached me, I told her that I am anxious about it, because I knew it would be very difficult for me to explain. She well knew that too, because of her life long dedication to experience, to connect and to study Japan and Japanese language. Like I said I am happy for people who want to learn about our culture (or any other country for that matter). I am not against the curiosity and enthusiasm. However, I am not an educator nor author who might be able to explain this all in English effectively. This is where she might be beneficial for many.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The difference is that she has indeed involved and communicated many native Japanese people over decades and prior to the book (including myself) and have put them forward. She has said herself in the book that it is hard to define the word of wabi sabi and used the term of “what she comes to understand” instead. None of these are one line sentence, or absolute definition. It’s a lengthy research that was challenged the misconception and impact have been left in the West by another author. (or google translation for that matter) If anyone can do so quickly, such a book won’t be needed. As she told me herself, her interpretation is still based in a Western upbringing, as an outsider with a keen interest, but feels confident enough to have dug deep from her years of dedication. The way she encouraged the readers was respectfully managed, sharing her hope on how people can learn from the Japanese wisdom and philosophy that might be able to apply into your mind and personal development, possibly to help them as a life lesson. It is written to encourage people to explore more about it but it certainly does not encourage to abuse it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I guess how readers would take further would depend on individuals - how much respect and care to be taken on their action.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">In order to clarify, I would like to add and emphasise that there are many people who enrich Japanese culture being of non-Japanese heritage. Like Euan and Beth I mentioned here, there are many other people who are immersing themselves in an adopted culture through their long term dedication of study, craftsmanship, living experiences with deeper understanding and respect. They are the people who may be able to bridge the gap between Japanese cultures and the world, who may be able to help others to understand us better, and also enlighten the wider world, that we Japanese people might not be able to do by ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">If you are truly inspired by the Japanese culture (or any culture for that matter), I hope you will continue to explore your learning. You never know where you may end up. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;">Please remember you can learn and celebrate other culture, by appreciating, NOT appropriating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for reading.</span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;">*please note that the writer has reviewed this post and written a reflection post in 2022. You can visit it in her new website <i><a href="https://www.makikohastings.com/journal">here</a></i>. </div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-52762477539496292852019-01-29T09:18:00.002+00:002019-05-19T17:47:15.093+01:00Why I have been hiding behind the pretty pots (my thoughts on diversity and inclusivity)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt7jb-B2R99hgahoBzYrFlES3KNPYffnZK9OfmLYO155LyMzov3Qsl5iRuMEL8jPD9l5rteK63Q2YOMX_qeeifLTBfcpGuBSBmRcElA0KRaxSJSrkuHZ2aIij2z7NRqrWGfJIYNrd6_HZ/s1600/DSC_4099_2+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWt7jb-B2R99hgahoBzYrFlES3KNPYffnZK9OfmLYO155LyMzov3Qsl5iRuMEL8jPD9l5rteK63Q2YOMX_qeeifLTBfcpGuBSBmRcElA0KRaxSJSrkuHZ2aIij2z7NRqrWGfJIYNrd6_HZ/s400/DSC_4099_2+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">First up, my apology for such belated new year wishes to you all, my blog readers. (You know what January is like… ) Hope we can make 2019 a good one, with a kind reflection and ongoing hope that good will come if we try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As a first post of the new year, I am going to talk about something different to my usual pottery stuff. The voice inside my head has been getting louder and louder. I have no writing skills, but I’ve tried my best to share my thoughts and what I’ve learnt from others so far. So here it is. I am grateful if you can stick with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are active followers of Instagram, you might come across what I have recently expressed in my story, or you might have already seen a big discussion. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, please go and see Instagram highlights from brave women, such as <b>Rabya</b> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheflourished_/" target="_blank">@sehflourished_ </a>and <b>Rida</b> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beforeandagain_/" target="_blank">@beforeandagain_</a>. It all started from a genuine voice to a clothing brand <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sondeflor/" target="_blank">@sondeflor</a>, asking for more diversity and why representation matters to women of colour. To be honest I didn’t see or follow much fashion accounts so I only became aware of this after reading the recent threads, but in fact there has been many more discussions on this topic elsewhere too, especially over slow fashion community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you are following me only just for pretty picture of my pottery, you may say, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“You are a potter. You can just continue to show your pretty pots. It’s not your place to get involved.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Admittedly this was one of my excuses that I have been hiding behind the pretty pictures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But it’s not really about pots and pretty pictures, is it? Never has been. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Because I was afraid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Because I did not have the courage to speak and was scared of getting it wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But after all, there is life behind and beyond my pottery and that is all interwoven and connected. My thoughts, feelings and experience are the big part of who I am, Maki the maker of my pottery. So. I am trying to be as bold as I can, as I write this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>It made me feel inhuman.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Let me start with sharing some of my experience being a Japanese living in UK for the past twenty years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">People getting my name wrong. Standard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Strangers suddenly throw some random Japanese words at me, laughing then walking passed. Even with a genuine curiosity, they spot me as a stereo typed perception, never seeing me as an individual. I often find this patronising and sometimes insulting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I go to a club or pub, people come to me and ask “how much are you?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I walk on the street, kids throw a tin of coke at me from the school bus window, shouting “f**king Chinese!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For minor things (even though they were annoying) I had let things go, but as the level increased, I began to shrink. I started to feel inhuman. These experiences did not just hurt me at that moment but scarred my heart for a long time, not that I can just forget and move on. It made me afraid of going outside of my house. At the same time as juggling with fear and anger, I felt really sad for them, thinking about what and who has influenced them to be like who they were, be it their parents, community or media with a poor representation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A day after the result of Brexit referendum was announced, I went to town for a quick errand with my baby girl in a buggy. I saw a white man on the high street, shouting at another person (looked like an European immigrant to me) in a really vulgar, aggressive manner, saying things like “You are going back to your f**king home soon!” There I was, petrified, instantly flooded with flash back of my past experience, thinking would my girl and I get targeted? So I ran. In the meantime, so many other people were just walking passed. Even some people were mumbling “What an idiot!” “How embarrassing” but no one actually stopped the guy. I have no idea how it went afterward but there was no doubt that person got a scar on his heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Most of the direct insults / racism happened to me during my late twenties and early thirties when I first moved up North, where I understand predominantly white British people live. Before that, I was living in Brixton (London) where I truly loved the diverse culture and did not experience any direct insult. I am not sure if it was because of my age or how I looked at that time, (obviously I must have looked so naive), I hardly get any direct racism comment where I live now thankfully. However, there is still ongoing difficulty that I face on a daily basis, which is a silence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>silence hurts</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Of course physical and verbal insults are painful, but being ignored is much harder. To me personally, it really hurts more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">School gate issue, as I have read in <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebrightblooms/" target="_blank">Atia</a></b>’s experience in her recent blog post (→ <i><u><a href="https://thebrightblooms.com/2019/01/11/about-being-inclusive/" target="_blank">you can read it here</a></u></i>), has really triggered me to think deeper. I have very similar experience to hers, when I pick my daughter from school. I only get approached by two mums (and grandparents) whose daughters are close friends of mine. They are really lovely, and I am sure all other mums are too. But no one else really speak to me. As if I do not exist. Like Atia told herself, because other mums were already knowing each other from the nursery, unlike me and my girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Admittedly, my quiet, introvert character does not help. I may not appear to be an approachable person. I take time to get closer to people. I don’t just jump in and break the ice that quickly. Nevertheless, I did make a conscious effort to speak to people, which has made it a little bit easier to face the problem. But you know what? Making constant effort only from one side is quite an exhausting exercise to be honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If I look at it, this is not just the school gate. Some aspects of work environment, gatherings or courses I attended, college I studied, I always found myself the last person in the room to be approached by others. I’m the left-out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My language barrier has always been another wall to climb before you even stand at the starting point, especially in a group setting. I often find myself already behind the conversation, as it has moved on by the time I am ready to speak. So I often shut up. Even feeling inside tells me that just because I often listen to others more than I speak, does not mean I have nothing to say. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then again, I usually blamed myself. I am making excuses. I am not making ‘enough’ effort as an ‘outsider’. I am not trying ‘hard’ enough. Although I made a handful of people who I can call really good friends, those who have time for me, most people won’t have such time, so I guess it’s my fault. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But is it really? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A question to you. If you are to speak to someone among many, would you choose a foreigner like me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I guess not, because it’s unknown or even uncomfortable. So you’d probably ignore one like that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Not intentionally, but because it’s an easy choice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Ironical realisation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So why have I shared these experience? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am not trying to be against white people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am not trying to victimise myself or ask for sympathy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am hoping to make it easier for you to see what you might not know and understand what it is really like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Because that was precisely how I have learnt from WOC for past few weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Also because I realised the fact that I certainly live in a safer, somewhat privileged place now, in which I am often blinding myself from what’s outside of this bubble. Despite some personal experience in the past and some discomfort at time. Ironically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here is my example.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Over years I have made some friends who happen to be mixed race or gay. I get to see or hear some of their struggles (and happiness of course). But maybe because where I live is predominantly white people, I don’t really have many friends in real life who are people of colour (other than Japanese parents). How do I know anything about them? Unless you consciously trying to understand, you can probably just continue to live without noticing them. I’ve only started to listen harder and read things they have been saying. And I cannot emphasise enough that it’s been mind blowing, eye opening and quite heart breaking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Another ironic example is about disability. I worked in social care industry for almost 17 years before I became a full time potter. Over years, I have seen and learnt so many obstacles in the society for people I worked with, especially young adults with learning difficulty and autism. So I felt quite confident in knowing what it is like. But I was wrong. Since my daughter was born with some form of disability (and this might be even a minor one comparing to some others), it really hit me. What it is like to be every-single-day. Only through the real experience it has sunk in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>survival</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">All those years of living in the UK, especially in the early days, I have been trying to break the wall of being (or feeling) an outsider. Because I am the one who chose to come and live in this country. I am the one who is in the minority. So I always believed that I am the one who needs to make an effort. So what did I do? I tried so hard to ‘fit in’. Even that was not an ideal course of action. (Sometimes it ended up with me being in the wrong crowd and feeling ashamed.) But I did it because it was survival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And can you imagine those who have to survive whilst receiving consistent insults or difficulties on a daily basis? Trying to (or having to) justify their existence? It must be so so exhausting and draining. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "avenir";">One of the things that totally widen my view from the past few weeks is to know that their brave voices were coming from a long way away. Most of women of colour who have spoken out may be a second or third generation in this country. Their parents and grandparents might have had to face so much pain and injustice in their life, but they have never given up on bringing their children to stand up, own their identity and not to be afraid of raising their voice. Not for the purpose to victimise themselves, but for a good hopeful future. I salute </span><span style="font-family: "avenir";">those first generation parents. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Having my girl who is mixed race with some form of disability, it’s no longer just about my past experience. I am a first generation parent. It is now my responsibility that she will not go through the same pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Hopeful seeds</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Diversity and inclusivity matter and affect everyone who are perceived to be different from the majority of people in society, be it colour, origin, LGBT, size, age, disability, mental health, you name it. I think the majority of people prefer sitting in the usual, comfortable seat to an uncomfortable one. But sitting with uncomfortableness will open our eyes and ears, and I feel that can be the only way to cultivate hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Rabya, et al, have used their voices as a tool to communicate with us, their allies have amplified as far as they can, so that we can hear them. So let’s hear them really hard. Those voices are hope to educate us and the next generation. And I am believing in the hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am questioning myself. How can I educate myself and my daughter in a more realistic way to acknowledge the diversity and how to embrace individuality? I haven’t got a clear answer to that. Yet. This is my first conscious step into the unknown. We can start by talking about it at family time. Familiarise ourself each day. Question ourself why we think the way we think. My husband and I were discussing so much deeper about this for the past few weeks. I have lots to learn from the both mother's and maker's perspectives. Just because I am a maker of small pottery business, it doesn't mean that I have nothing to do. In fact I have loads to work on for that matter, as long as I am using this online space to showcase my work. If you are like me, running a small business, you can always question yourself more intentionally. I am only starting this now, but better than never. You can always find resources. Look where you didn’t usually access, look at it harder with a different mindset. Reach out to the unknown. These people are even taking their own time to share lists of books, podcasts and accounts that can help your awareness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The past few weeks, reaching out to some of new faces has been a fascinating process for me. Refreshing even. Enriching my understanding. Bringing hopeful seeds to my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have read this far, thank you so so much. I am sure there are many more people yet to discover and learn from, but here I would particularly like to say a big thank you to: </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebrightblooms/" target="_blank">Atia</a></b> for inspiration </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytime/" target="_blank">Huma</a></b> for her beautifully uplifting words</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thevitamindproject/" target="_blank">Africa</a></b> for her positive attitude and compassion</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/spoon.moon.wolf/" target="_blank">Vicki</a></b> for her determination</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">and of course</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheflourished_/" target="_blank">Rabya</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beforeandagain_/" target="_blank">Rida</a></b> for their courage</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Note to myself:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Never too late to learn</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>We can always re learn</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Sit with uncomfortableness</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Look into what really matters</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Until you find your own little voice</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;">links to people who inspired me to write this post (with their kind permissions to share this):</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebrightblooms/" target="_blank">Atia’s instagram</a> <a href="https://thebrightblooms.com/" target="_blank">Atia’s website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytime/" target="_blank">Huma’s instagram</a> <a href="https://huma-qureshi-8lkk.squarespace.com/blog" target="_blank">Huma’s website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thevitamindproject/" target="_blank">Africa’s Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.thevitamindproject.com/" target="_blank">Africa’s website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/spoon.moon.wolf/" target="_blank">Vicki’s instagram </a> <a href="https://linktr.ee/spoon.moon.wolf" target="_blank">Vicki’s website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheflourished_/" target="_blank">Rabya’s instagram</a> <a href="https://www.sheflourished.com/" target="_blank">Rabya’s website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beforeandagain_/" target="_blank">Rida’s instagram </a> <a href="https://beforeandagain.co.uk/contact-2/" target="_blank">Rida’s website </a></span><br />
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-38900213290875304252018-12-21T22:02:00.003+00:002018-12-21T22:08:12.217+00:00seasons greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy-VJ8yUNTEMpY2VqGCKSGLGzqWTMATkCTIsnkpTwzE1CZMlwF42eMBppzzgJk_C3KAmfupaQTocA706WWyWXm8DpcppqIQDcaK2nEpZMIBBfDG_ocaR1Y9dumh2JeLoKdKM-CItn4Ogg/s1600/DSC_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1411" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy-VJ8yUNTEMpY2VqGCKSGLGzqWTMATkCTIsnkpTwzE1CZMlwF42eMBppzzgJk_C3KAmfupaQTocA706WWyWXm8DpcppqIQDcaK2nEpZMIBBfDG_ocaR1Y9dumh2JeLoKdKM-CItn4Ogg/s400/DSC_3930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Studio doors are shut. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">School finished. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Time for family begins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for all your support this year and those who come and read my rather 'neglected' blog!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wishing you a wonderful festive season and a bright 2019!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maki xxx</span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-35985927893768451312018-09-05T09:00:00.000+01:002018-09-06T10:14:31.567+01:00Visiting artists in Japan - volume 3: Shinpei Mawatari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Beautiful hibi-kohiki bowl by Shinpai Mawatari, with our harvested beens</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Our final destination was Hokkaido, the North Island of Japan. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">It was in the middle of unusual typhoon approaching that made us worry about the flight, but fortunately it had eased off and we managed to visit <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shinpei.mawatari/" target="_blank"><b>Shinpei Mawatari</b> </a>and his family, in Yoichi, Hokkaido. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I first came across with his work via Instagram feed of a well known pottery shop <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/utsuwa.chidori/" target="_blank">Utsuwa Chidori</a></b> in Tokyo. Among many potters work they present, Shinpei’s original “hibi-kohiki” (“crackled” kohiki) ware stood out far from others to my eyes. Its simplicity, the warmth of its texture and tones, variety of shapes and sizes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To someone who loves food (both cooking and serving), it is undoubtably a pure joy to see his work. Certainly it was to me (whether I’m good at cooking or not is another matter!) and I have been thoroughly enjoying his Instagram images, which often combined with lovely food with all their homegrown vegetables.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoIz74wsPIlkLrKO_k-dg1FR6siCRHLlgrSeeXGMa3upHM8aCLtqoWjr8L8bZat8KyV83amfnbvvdmGEwjxzDq40utB2hhmAV0cpdTlncp-Jr6K2pa7RWkVdiaQIlo7iR_3Ckje-xn532/s1600/DSC_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoIz74wsPIlkLrKO_k-dg1FR6siCRHLlgrSeeXGMa3upHM8aCLtqoWjr8L8bZat8KyV83amfnbvvdmGEwjxzDq40utB2hhmAV0cpdTlncp-Jr6K2pa7RWkVdiaQIlo7iR_3Ckje-xn532/s400/DSC_2096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sinpei at his studio</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The scale of their allotment is huge. The dynamic of it was rather unreal to me. An ideal life style, one might think, yet the hardship in Northern country like Hokkaido with meters of snows piled for a long winter that he shares in his feed has actually made me feel so intrigued to seek more about his potter’s life all together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I enjoyed seeing his fatherhood from his little girl appearing now and again, and also in <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/yamanoe_/" target="_blank">his wife’s Instagram feed </a></u>too. I began to communicate with them both ever since. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMMxzkVw8UbcBeDnICQCC54sLh3uo8kSGKqMLxKEmNiZkeY0dR7P0Lxn2DwEV5hEUUpJ3jFBw1Xzd_6blSIKtBrsnUUe9SNz-vESGohzPdnf7I4AIv6S9DxpAyF2mouo1HYD5DLBip86J/s1600/DSC_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMMxzkVw8UbcBeDnICQCC54sLh3uo8kSGKqMLxKEmNiZkeY0dR7P0Lxn2DwEV5hEUUpJ3jFBw1Xzd_6blSIKtBrsnUUe9SNz-vESGohzPdnf7I4AIv6S9DxpAyF2mouo1HYD5DLBip86J/s400/DSC_2025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wouldn’t it be nice to visit them? I asked my husband. It’s Hokkaido. It’s a long way just to visit a day. But we felt strongly right about this. So we have send an email to him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His response was so so genuine, and even more so, they offered us to stay. We were worried if that is going to be too much, being too rude. After all, it was the first time we’d meet. But we really liked Shinpei’s response saying that “I would like to follow my instinct. I believe that good will come.” How lovely is that! We of course loved his answer so went ahead to follow our gut feeling too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwf-ppnoS7EEQAisbjB1gao_Ljj_6PpHH_p5HkCB9AGUQK53QTgb2iFbN86IIl7ZqBCHwM4twpspFwsakVMTl73RdAQyMnxIAP9OgDz0JKZZCcoCUR5HhxebXQ-gftQg9iUw27x9Ui0Nk/s1600/DSC_2009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwf-ppnoS7EEQAisbjB1gao_Ljj_6PpHH_p5HkCB9AGUQK53QTgb2iFbN86IIl7ZqBCHwM4twpspFwsakVMTl73RdAQyMnxIAP9OgDz0JKZZCcoCUR5HhxebXQ-gftQg9iUw27x9Ui0Nk/s400/DSC_2009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Shinpei and his wife kindly came to pick us up from Otaru station. On route to their home, we saw many mountains as well as coast lines. I was rather surprised to see so many mountains as I always imagined the flat fields in Hokkaido. With such beautiful sights passing by, we headed to his house, surrounded by a huge land he owns with his allotment and his studio within.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Shipei harvesting fresh vegetables form their huge allotment </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Shinpei grew up in Hokkaido. He is slightly younger than me, but he has fifteen years of career as a professional potter. He recalls the beginning of his potter’s life, some struggles and changes he made. Having mentioned about how scary for me to have gone full time, he tells me that he would have been the same if he took a long journey till late. He was young and naive, just went for it without knowing much, he says gently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What he creates today is truly beautiful with his established experience, and yet doesn’t have 'snobby' 'sharp' look or any sorts, but the gentleness to welcome people who hold his tableware. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His unique kohiki style has yellow ochre like tones and crackled surface texture, which I love. Each piece are slightly different depending on firing, which makes more exciting for us to choose own favourite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He also creates white version of these, as well as some <i>hakeme</i> (brush decorated slip) and ash glazed pieces, which he uses the resources from a local orchard. At outside his studio, there are natural spring water running that fills numbers of buckets to filter the ashes. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">spring water supply used for washing ashes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Shinpei’s ash glazed ware</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The evening we stayed was so heartwarming. His wife served us a wonderful feast on his tableware, with all the vegetables freshly harvested by Shinpei that day. Even my daughter who can be a quite fussy on eating, did enjoyed freshly picked tomatoes, which were so so sweet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Selections of beautiful tableware at their home</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Personally I was also very fond of his wife’s style in the kitchen, from the selection of items to how she stores and displays them. She used to run a food related shop, so no wonder she has a good taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sabrina enjoys freshly picked tomato</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Another wonderful aspect of this visit was that Sabrina got to play with their daughter, who is happened to be the same age. She absolutely loved the company, enjoyed the every minutes of it, laughing and giggling, and at some point, they were totally hysterical! It was so lovely to see them two together and has certainly made our trip extra special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much Shinpei's family for your hospitality and such a wonderful memory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Shinpei’s Instagram can be viewed <u><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shinpei.mawatari/" target="_blank">here</a></i></u>.</span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-86447342179336053892018-08-31T22:03:00.002+01:002018-08-31T22:03:48.467+01:00Visiting artists in Japan - volume 2: Tamotsu Suzuki<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">beautiful vessel made by Tamotsu Suzuki</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Back in UK, slowly recovering from a jet lag as I write this blog post. Time does go so quickly when you are having a good time, indeed. I always feel that the holiday can become extra special when you meet “people”on the land, rather than just sightseeing or laying on a beach, as it can enrich your experience and create memory. It has certainly did for us and visiting a family of <b><a href="http://www.tamotsusuzuki.com/" target="_blank">Tamotsu Suzuki</a> </b>was one of such lovely memories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have been admiring his work for nearly two years ever since I have started Instagram. His expression of clay work and the details of nature around him on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tamotsu_suzuki.official/" target="_blank">his Instagram</a> feed must have been aspired so many viewers, not to mention myself of course, and I have been wishing to visit his studio one day. That day, did come true fairly quickly in a best possible way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Instagram community in UK (or all English speaking basis, should I say) has been somewhat life changing experience. Connection you can make with like-minded people is not just comforting but encouraging in a real life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Luckily the same has happened to me by using my native Japanese language and the result was quite significant. When I asked about visiting his studio in Kobuchizawa in the middle of beautiful mountain side, he kindly offered us to stay over night with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To be honest, we hesitated at first. We felt it would be too much, especially with a little one too, thought we would be too imposing. Plus, he is an experienced potter, unlike myself. Wouldn’t it be rude in Japan? After all, we are strangers other than our occasional comments on Instagram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then again, I also felt that it would be a great opportunity to get to know each other better, see their life and culture, which would also benefit to my daughter and husband. After some discussion with my husband, we have decided to trust our gut feeling and my instinct about him from our conversation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It’s funny when you worry something like this, often the others feel the same. Tamotsu later said the same. But we quickly felt it was the right decision and found our comfort in his family home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tamotsu in his own studio</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In fact, our daughter Sabrina has instantly made a bond with his daughter, who’s a little older than her. Quietly but comfortably played together, to the point that she did not even want to come to visit his studio with us as she wanted to carry on playing with her, which was very unusual to her! Actually it was so sweet to see these two girls in their own world, and with that bonus, we have managed to explore Tamotsu’s studio and get his insight for some time without any distraction! Ha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He hand builds each piece and finishes with slip in Japanese “kohiki” style, which mostly leaves matt surface texture. Every details are taken cared of, such as rims, which I particularly adore. Glaze colours he uses are often mono tone and they give somehow rustic yet modern style on your table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">He also makes sculptural pieces inspired by plants. I could spot them here and there in his house and studio, totally naturally, as if they are gently breathing and inhabiting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The view from his studio was magnificent. Clean air, sound of spring water. Everything was meant to be there to inspire you and balance your life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">a stunning view from his studio even on a cloudy day</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-dxBytFEF1zshGRii8GW08fNq2f-cApYRfFf8381ARTnz_TegZdc7DAGRyl1IKly7JDlVvpwymXrvwSQaBAXYcBz8Fo9q1kgzgR9XiBPld2S_30b-NNekwF4uFDKese_ReMTy8cXSiCh/s1600/DSC_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-dxBytFEF1zshGRii8GW08fNq2f-cApYRfFf8381ARTnz_TegZdc7DAGRyl1IKly7JDlVvpwymXrvwSQaBAXYcBz8Fo9q1kgzgR9XiBPld2S_30b-NNekwF4uFDKese_ReMTy8cXSiCh/s400/DSC_1887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvLGXWcWnUTSiBUbU2zBSyJ4CE55hNEIWgS0b9xKCshHp9iatCn5rsmPIvEHxRXchgpLY4l0qS_lBloHXOOqyJVA4R-DP9Dz4nk4_Xd8mwea3SdDTzvrck9DgfaDBQkw1jWV5rTlK8eil/s1600/DSC_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvLGXWcWnUTSiBUbU2zBSyJ4CE55hNEIWgS0b9xKCshHp9iatCn5rsmPIvEHxRXchgpLY4l0qS_lBloHXOOqyJVA4R-DP9Dz4nk4_Xd8mwea3SdDTzvrck9DgfaDBQkw1jWV5rTlK8eil/s400/DSC_1893.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hospitality from his family was genuine and at the same time so natural. We had a short trip to a local <i>onsen</i> (public bath with a hot spring), made <i>gyoza</i> (Japanese dumplings) as a part of the lovely dinner that night and played <i>hanabi </i>(fire work - one of ‘must do’ during summer in Japan) in the evening. Many of these were first experience for Sabrina and she absolutely loved every minute of it. Tamotsu’s down-to-earth, honest and open character made us feel at ease. There were laughters and smiles. Conversation lasted till late evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">his guest room welcoming us with calmness</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">his daughter’s ‘teeny’ origami creations! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for having us Tamotsu and his family. It was wonderful to have spent time together. We shall definitely treasure our memory as much as his pottery we happily brought home with us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tamotsu’s webiste, click <u><i><a href="http://www.tamotsusuzuki.com/" target="_blank">here</a></i></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Tamotsu’s instagram, click <u><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tamotsu_suzuki.official/" target="_blank">here</a></i></u></span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-8764855872960828382018-08-19T14:37:00.002+01:002018-08-19T14:50:37.168+01:00Visiting artist in Japan - volume 1: chokkin kirie YUYA<div style="font-family: avenir; line-height: normal;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">delightfully beautiful work by YUYA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hello everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Currently on family holiday in Japan and it’s already into the second week. We have been spending a lovely time with family and friends, which were much longed for. Our daughter Sabrina is in a great shape, having so much laughters and smiles, as well as suddenly expanding her Japanese conversations, which is a bonus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">During our stay, we have planned to visit several artists in Japan, who I admire and longed to visit for some times. I would like to share the story on my blog in the coming weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Today I would like to share our first visit to <b><a href="http://chokkin-kirie.com/profile/" target="_blank">YUYA</a></b>, a paper cut artist and product designer / illustrator and his wife <b><a href="http://atelier-sparrow.com/" target="_blank">Keiko</a></b>, as known as Sparrow Kei<b> </b>on her instagram, who runs bakery classes at their home studio, <b><a href="http://atelier-folk.com/" target="_blank">Atetlier FOLK</a></b> in Tokyo. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VAtaUNIZSYP7lwhub5hKrDlxx0WH3wrjGrQ18liYcfoZVh_sShAfn-UzEGMJNJ4hUX48yna0Jsc5rwvN3XydquaYmvfo9bCKQLdOEUsFZA3mcQnmlmDU74XWNev_w3MihJCxOEb4RE34/s1600/DSC_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VAtaUNIZSYP7lwhub5hKrDlxx0WH3wrjGrQ18liYcfoZVh_sShAfn-UzEGMJNJ4hUX48yna0Jsc5rwvN3XydquaYmvfo9bCKQLdOEUsFZA3mcQnmlmDU74XWNev_w3MihJCxOEb4RE34/s400/DSC_1827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It’s going back nearly a decade that I first saw his work via his blog. There were no instagram in those days, but I certainly got hooked onto his design, which is somewhat modern and friendly folk that really eases your eyes and makes you smile. I also love the fact that he uses a pair of scissors to cut paper, which I think leaves more personality and handmade touch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Both YUYA and Keiko have always been friendly and open to the conversation over blog and instagram today, that I felt like it was not the first time to actually meet, very relaxing. Well, except having five year old daughter around, which is not always easy to visit someone new, but they wholeheartedly welcomed us. We enjoyed homemade cake by Keiko with all the detailed touch on how she served us, which are just so lovely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Their home is filled with much loved collection of treasure from pottery and folk art, to books and music, and has been featured in many magazines and TV program. They kept saying and rather warningly, it’s a very small space, but I could not hide my excitement to see their house. And I have to say there were no warning needed. It totally blown my expectation. I LOVED it. You cannot stop smiling each step, each corner of their home. YUYA kindly allowed me to share some images here, so hope you enjoy them too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We have chosen one of his paper cut arts to bring back to our home. (as you can see on the top) We shall certainly treasure it and remember such a lovely time we spent together. Thank you so much YUYA san and Keiko san. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You can view more of <b>Aterlier FOLK</b>, <i><u><a href="http://atelier-folk.com/" target="_blank">here</a></u></i>.</span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-30546206026453177762018-08-11T16:47:00.000+01:002018-08-19T14:51:15.140+01:00POTFEST in the Pens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Hi everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We have just arrived in the middle of summer heat in Japan and I am already super excited for coming weeks to catch up with my family, friends and visit a few artist who I longed to meet. I am sure I will be writing about our travel later on, but for now here is a brief catch up from the show last weekend at <b><a href="http://www.potfest.co.uk/" target="_blank">POTFEST in the Pens</a></b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Firstly, thank you so so much for those who visited the show, popped by my stand to say hi and purchased my work. I have received so many positive feedback and many of my work have found new homes. Your support make it possible for me to do what I love doing and for that I am truly thankful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">POTFEST was 25th anniversary this year, after all the wonderful history of this show run by <b><a href="http://www.potfest.co.uk/CoxCeramics/geoffindex.htm" target="_blank">Geoff </a></b>and<a href="http://www.potfest.co.uk/CoxCeramics/chrisindex.htm" target="_blank"> <b>Chris Cox</b></a>. My late mentor<a href="http://davidconstantinewhite.com/" target="_blank"> <b>David</b></a>’s favourite show it was (you can see the post </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2011/08/should-wait-or-should-not.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">) and I have visited for many many years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This was my second time to attend this show as an exhibitor and my last one was before Sabrina was born, so it was a big come back after some years! (You can view it </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.com/2012/08/potfest-in-pens.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It was great to be back at the show and see some familiar faces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We were camping with my family and also visited to see our friends in Kendal one night, which was such a treat, too. (This beautiful image is when we were coming down to the valley to Kendal) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just to note that a white tarpaulin behind my stand is provided by Pens, which could not be taken down. However, I had a lovely spot beaming natural light, so overall it was a lucky space to display my work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hope you enjoyed some images here from my stand. Thank you for visiting my blog as always. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">maki xx</span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-8592292243588602512018-06-27T22:23:00.005+01:002018-06-28T20:50:04.008+01:00Earth and Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Long time no blog (again!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It’s been super busy over here and continue to be. But before moving on to the next show prep, I would like to share some images from <b><a href="http://www.earthandfire.co.uk/" target="_blank">Earth and Fire</a></b>, an international ceramic fair held at the Harley Gallery, Welbeck, last weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Original Earth and Fire used to be held at Rufford for many years, to which I always enjoyed visiting. This was their second year to be held at this new venue and this time I was at the other side of the show, an exhibitor! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Having been a big fan of this show, you can imagine how delighted I was when I was selected among over 100 established potters in UK and beyond.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHN9HgiNMYDrcO068KmksXMZea7VFUWwdxa6z99s2m9mE6a1mmk9qGmk-LIJUM3Gbuic6bKx4U5GmzB6GNgnTP0gvHr4a0MZU57gLuKztG-BSz6WNqCesWtpkB26X02UJ3EZJoTtE1682N/s1600/DSC_0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHN9HgiNMYDrcO068KmksXMZea7VFUWwdxa6z99s2m9mE6a1mmk9qGmk-LIJUM3Gbuic6bKx4U5GmzB6GNgnTP0gvHr4a0MZU57gLuKztG-BSz6WNqCesWtpkB26X02UJ3EZJoTtE1682N/s400/DSC_0903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for those who popped by my stand and purchased work. Your support means the world to me and helps me do what I love, so really appreciate. I had a lovely couple who have purchased a whole dinner set! I was totally blown away! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">flowers from my garden and some foraged in the field</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">popular 'rakugaki' mugs flown to many happy homes</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "avenir"; font-size: small; text-align: start;">it was a scorcher!</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "avenir"; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">As always, I have learnt a lot by observing other’s stand and listening to their experience and advice. Always learning something, from display idea and setting price to variation of work and wrapping mechanism. Even camping tips! Event like this is a great opportunity to speak to fellow potters for that reasons. But most of all, meeting them and talking endlessly about life is the best bit of the show. Potter’s community is such a wonderful thing. I am so happy that I am now part of it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">m x </span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-22622901293638691492018-05-30T09:00:00.000+01:002018-05-30T10:41:04.357+01:00ONE YEAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Should I do it or not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I asked this question to myself so many times over the past years. And I am sure many of you might have come across a situation like this from time to time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Stepping outside of your comfort zone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Leaping into the unknown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some people might find it exciting but most of us would feel it difficult to do, I guess. I was the same. I was scared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I worked for social care industry for 17 years, specialising with working for people with leaning difficulty and autism. I enjoyed my role, however, working within organisation, </span>there were times when my stress level was so high, when raised issue's been ignored, feeling going nowhere and made me think of leaving the job. Yet, regular income was a comfort and security in my head. I’ve never experienced being self employed, so considering leaving a day job for it was a totally unknown path and a simply challenge to me. Even though I dreamed my pottery business THIS MUCH. I doubted my skills. I doubted my confidence. I could list so many things to stop me. Because it was easier than believing in myself.</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But, I did it. My heart said it’s time, do it now or never. I truly think this was the final push. Listen to your heart. Don’t start calculate the future. Because until you take that action, you can’t really start that future. <i>Only </i>took me 18 years since I first touched clay. But, better than never!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">May 30th 2017, I started my new studio routine as a full time potter. (Ok, saying that I work within my girl’s school hours now, and some nights and weekend of course.) Being my own boss is brilliant. That kind of stress I mentioned has gone and I noticed that I became much happier. Of course, there are lots of hard work being self employed and have ups and downs. I still have different type of stress but that can be adjusted and dealt with in my own way. Sometimes positive stress is good and drives you forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My first year of full time pottery business has been so far so good. I have achieved some goals, built my website and online shop, met new like minded people and returned to trade show recently, which went brilliant. I am currently working really hard to catch up with orders and forthcoming shows. I am rather overwhelmed with the amount of tasks that I am doing right now to be honest, but must not grumble to be able to do what I love. I am lucky to be in this position. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Those who read this blog post, come and comment in my social network, turn up my shows and purchase my work, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Without you, my business would not happen. I am truly grateful with your support in so many ways. I will continue to share my journey and hope you can enjoy it too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you ever question yourself in the similar situation, have a listen to your heart not your head. It may help you make that big leap and believe in yourself, much quicker than I took! </span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-63377963139014447022018-04-16T23:31:00.001+01:002018-04-18T10:11:21.706+01:00British Craft Trade Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm5pmDiNA_WUOVyRzFV5Hizujo3KZMRiLIylNQquPOsI76D5dzlwiWBLrKl38rZg5yMMJ6VrIToyfv49Jhd-yD9rieL2MRffg9EUWRYkreue04sUW9AWubnrMFgp5F4CaAQhSzbpdSOrz/s1600/BCTFrakugaki2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimm5pmDiNA_WUOVyRzFV5Hizujo3KZMRiLIylNQquPOsI76D5dzlwiWBLrKl38rZg5yMMJ6VrIToyfv49Jhd-yD9rieL2MRffg9EUWRYkreue04sUW9AWubnrMFgp5F4CaAQhSzbpdSOrz/s400/BCTFrakugaki2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">So long no blog! I’ve been meaning to write at least one post a month then March just went! April is already half way through, which means my first event of this year, <a href="http://bctf.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>British Craft Trade Fair </b>(BCTF)</a> has been and gone. Today I’d like to share a little about the show, especially since this was a trade show and wasn’t open to the general public.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have been reading my blog for a long time, you might remember that I attended this show in 2013 with a huge bump, expecting my daughter Sabrina. I was in a new comer stand and very nervous. (You can see more </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/post-bctf.html" target="_blank">in this post</a></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But I must tell you, this time was worse. I was more nervous than the last time. Probably because I knew how tense this show can be, but more so because this was my first trade show for many years as I had a studio break in between, and also I am now full time self employed. I have not worked with galleries for years and worried how my new tableware would be perceived today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>PREPARATION</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The major part of preparation is the stand display. Unlike other ceramic events, we are not there to sell individual items to the general public, but to present your sample work to professional buyers. Your work needs to be shown in the best possible way to stand out among more than 500 exhibitors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Display is not my forte. I always admire other people’s stands for their professionalism and uniqueness. Still, you can learn and experience over time. So I have written some tips that I have learnt and hopefully you might find them useful, especially if you are a new maker.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b style="background-color: #ead1dc;">MY 5 TIPS FOR PREPARATION</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">1. collect ideas</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">2. think about materials that flows with your work</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">3. think about wall space</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">4. think how you transport and store them after the show</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">5. plan time scale</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">COLLECT IDEAS</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Display plan doesn’t come just over night, so you will need to develop over time. To help your ideas grow to exactly how you want, it is useful to collect ideas and visual examples. I did this using Pinterest and Instagram. Not necessarily from show display, but images of someone’s kitchen shelve, shop display and wall decoration can also be useful. The more you collect, you can narrow down your own idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">MATERIALS</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For the main display materials, you may consider using your own furniture or buy a new product or even make your own plinths etc. Whatever you use, think about the materials that flow with your own work. They can be wood, glass, metals and steels… almost anything, but make sure the materials are harmonise with your work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In my case, I used wood. Tableware is based at home environment and I wanted to make it ‘warm’ ‘home-like’ setting, so I used an old table that I already have and built wooden shelves to go above it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Last time, I didn’t use the wall space effectively, so I have decided to provide panels myself this time. Panels are hung with metal brackets, which is much securer than using S hook. BCTF actually offers panels and shelves if you would like to pay, but this would be one off, so if you would like to keep your display kits for future, make your own.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUpfgJxYa34-dkeRn1lMETO-bO5R5BwN126gXjme7l6B9tDWoWBy9Q4pO7Y9amKI96oAPYvm-IJQGIksmUF5O9Vq0897NHGcq5uaSwMZiLA_imBpoluKT57O_zzVraOITq5tthOzeGG6W/s1600/IMG_7560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUpfgJxYa34-dkeRn1lMETO-bO5R5BwN126gXjme7l6B9tDWoWBy9Q4pO7Y9amKI96oAPYvm-IJQGIksmUF5O9Vq0897NHGcq5uaSwMZiLA_imBpoluKT57O_zzVraOITq5tthOzeGG6W/s320/IMG_7560.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">handmade panels that used for a corner of my stand</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">TRANSPORT & STORAGE</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unless you have a big car and house with plenty of space, you will need to consider how you transport your display kits and where/how to store them after the show. Ideally you can utilise the display materials for another shows so double the usage, but this can need a little planning as each show has different stand size and scheme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The table I used was actually the same one I used in 2013. It is my usual photo shooting table and my wrapping station. Already exists mean that there is a space for it. (I must admit that I was lucky to live close to the venue so that we did not need a long journey with the table on the car roof!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The wooden shelves are made to be dismantled so can be transported flat. Also they can be adapted to other ceramic events I will be attending in the future. So no waste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After all, I must say a huge thank you to my dear husband who always listens to my design ideas and implements it with his DIY skills. (and coping with my nagging!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">PLAN TIME SCALE</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whether you need building and painting your display materials, make sure you put that time into a work schedule to avoid last minute chaos. As makers, you may stretch time to make maximum stock as close as possible to the show, but preparation of display itself can also take time. I have set at least a week worth of time slot dedicated to this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you have children at home, you will need to put that into the consideration too. You know what’s going to be like with running around child next to your precious materials!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>SHOW DISPLAY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My apology for rather poor quality of photography, as I struggled with those artificial lightings. Nevertheless, I hope you can get an idea.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GNqDciD3hVOFypGJSctePJ8HegSFF67MUmQQVULTDvIkGv3FDiQ7McdgWRVjjLKryertFhWKLj2Sn2Ur6Yufed9oE4xa_a3R-gFRujG5DqnMT3WCenhTvDVEMyBhn58z1mHnAOI2xegi/s1600/BCTF1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GNqDciD3hVOFypGJSctePJ8HegSFF67MUmQQVULTDvIkGv3FDiQ7McdgWRVjjLKryertFhWKLj2Sn2Ur6Yufed9oE4xa_a3R-gFRujG5DqnMT3WCenhTvDVEMyBhn58z1mHnAOI2xegi/s400/BCTF1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b style="background-color: #ead1dc;">MY 5 TIPS FOR DISPLAY</b></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #a64d79; font-family: "avenir";">1. think about theme and style of your work</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #a64d79; font-family: "avenir";">2. think how your work want to be seen / plan for eye levels & other eye views</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #a64d79; font-family: "avenir";">3. think about effective background</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #a64d79; font-family: "avenir";">4. props or no props?</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #a64d79; font-family: "avenir";">5. use advice if available</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">THEME & STYLE</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Like I mentioned earlier, I wanted my display to look like someone’s home. Be it dining cabinet, table setting or wall decorations, that you can enjoy looking at. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">This idea applies in every part of my display, otherwise it won’t harmonise each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">EYE LEVEL & OTHER EYE VIEWS</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is about deciding how your work wants to be seen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Eye level is the first thing you have to consider in order to draw the viewer’s attention without them walking pass. In my case, the top and second shelves of my dining cabinet is the eye level point, and there I have displayed my ‘rakugaki’ series. Unique and individual blue and white decorations are good to catch viewer’s eyes but also makes you feel at ease with symmetry display, rather than tiring with over-loaded display.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iGYUc-SXFiSYcDNGtjIuW12i0WCXQwKkMnECRljkid4WHnx0Kjx4LHMcxEU6QxuxPzy6dOzwih2jLsIL6FxwKexUdXzM4vD2Cm2OEx_EKbpI6Bf6CDak4j0inME-efBVtDvtIsKDhA04/s1600/BCTFrakugaki1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iGYUc-SXFiSYcDNGtjIuW12i0WCXQwKkMnECRljkid4WHnx0Kjx4LHMcxEU6QxuxPzy6dOzwih2jLsIL6FxwKexUdXzM4vD2Cm2OEx_EKbpI6Bf6CDak4j0inME-efBVtDvtIsKDhA04/s400/BCTFrakugaki1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Once you draw your visitors into your stand space, you can create another view point and close up. Like tabletop display, which is a bird eye view as they look down and physically handle your work. I displayed my ‘mazekoze’ series as if I was styling the table for friends gathering to create inviting feel. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8GL-46PtjB0HDgVWgaO1oF6YQvO6Be-Y2jwlm40v7yW7TtY6nsszJVrFKeWAIAek9sdCkU7gKdTI6nyY7n5rYxoabHsq7-WIunjIJ6V_9wTC9HOXPyK1G51UVYPN-sXFIrm3WMvOJeq-/s1600/BCTF+table3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8GL-46PtjB0HDgVWgaO1oF6YQvO6Be-Y2jwlm40v7yW7TtY6nsszJVrFKeWAIAek9sdCkU7gKdTI6nyY7n5rYxoabHsq7-WIunjIJ6V_9wTC9HOXPyK1G51UVYPN-sXFIrm3WMvOJeq-/s400/BCTF+table3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wall space can create maximum impact if you use it well. I used two panels in the corner to display two series of work, with carefully chosen items that explains each character. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">‘mazekoze’ series is aimed for everyday use to mix up colours. So I scattered plates randomly on the surface and added a little shelf to display my new cups to maximise the use of colour palette.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbQ33iLgqbMrcPAGMCmrVPBdLCbHQELKfUuTqGCS3upZrtFl3w_qge_mIWmC74XXLjTPXaPahJLZ50AnkQ3EqLNiaWGWfywOhyphenhyphentum1yaAm7plfkXUgkN1Bus9ZdgVSJMlc-TElZno_skG/s1600/BCTFpanel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbQ33iLgqbMrcPAGMCmrVPBdLCbHQELKfUuTqGCS3upZrtFl3w_qge_mIWmC74XXLjTPXaPahJLZ50AnkQ3EqLNiaWGWfywOhyphenhyphentum1yaAm7plfkXUgkN1Bus9ZdgVSJMlc-TElZno_skG/s400/BCTFpanel1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">‘rakugaki’ series is about spontaneous doodling. Here I have selected oval platter that shows large surface decoration and spoons for irregular shapes, which I hoped to be eye catching.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpuGwf5THTkFvKxjkC1Ylu6Nngz9Uk88D1N99GWdiYtxR5c8BdpuFxMQtzQpVjoNYtqXzG9BJ-XhZiKOGqwExpjmfDrP8cUf1aRrFp8ZFDikXgpT3buJiLiUtMqa-1cV0VJ0B1sjdQdYF/s1600/BCTFpanel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpuGwf5THTkFvKxjkC1Ylu6Nngz9Uk88D1N99GWdiYtxR5c8BdpuFxMQtzQpVjoNYtqXzG9BJ-XhZiKOGqwExpjmfDrP8cUf1aRrFp8ZFDikXgpT3buJiLiUtMqa-1cV0VJ0B1sjdQdYF/s400/BCTFpanel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I must admit, the most exciting part was to display the paintings by <b><a href="https://www.debbiegeorge.co.uk/" target="_blank">Debbie Georgie</a></b>. Debbie is one of my most admiring painters today. She paints flowers and ceramics in such a beautiful and somehow nostalgic manner. Prior to this show, I asked her commission for painting with my pottery. Aren’t they just wonderful? Thank you so so much Debbie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">BACKGROUND</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In the past, I used to settle with all white display. Although nothing wrong with all white, I went for bold colour to make my work to stand out. But be careful with the choice of colour, because you don’t want it to crash with your work or overtake the impact. My choice was dark grey, which is bolder than white but still understated colour and works with almost any colour. I had some beautiful paint left (called ’downpipe’ from Farrow & Ball) from our recent living room renewal. (See this <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf1XpVyhK5U/?taken-by=makikohastings" target="_blank">post</a></u>.) This was used on the background of shelves as well as two wall panels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">PROPS OR NO PROPS?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Using small props can be effective for your display as they can provide mood or seasonal touch. However, if you over do it or use wrong materials and/or theme, it can ruin the whole picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I used natural linens, green herbs, wooden spoons and pears (yes pears!) for the table styling, carefully selected to match the theme. Hope you like the look.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7vs4AcVpUqo1KN_r-m7WBwZHKsh52gEQ364cCgdRMgm2PQQu9pf_OxP6PevDP7tE-d5VIahUgLhE9OqdGzjbox55hSDNsDAnepgOPLrexRHXb3w8rxEuw2tvYp_dSnJ-AP3ehtrzyAbu/s1600/BCTFtable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7vs4AcVpUqo1KN_r-m7WBwZHKsh52gEQ364cCgdRMgm2PQQu9pf_OxP6PevDP7tE-d5VIahUgLhE9OqdGzjbox55hSDNsDAnepgOPLrexRHXb3w8rxEuw2tvYp_dSnJ-AP3ehtrzyAbu/s400/BCTFtable2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For a little space left on the side, I used our bedside drawers. Stand doesn’t have storage space and you are not allowed to leave any storage boxes there, but you will need some space to store paper works, stocks and so on. So having drawers is very useful without looking cluttered. On the top of them, I displayed some bud vases and cherry blossom from our garden to give a sense of spring.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm5wMk2nv3jIXO6nkmjNGnpinqOSHV2TBAr4FQ-OEETjxNCuUQqe2DVtPeZepW_j1LzTbhTMzU-OWyDRXMD6X_BsmQvay6x7LdyavmVt7Lep_i0ZK9TwlVTlIHJMmKWBf2dp-7Ej_09XX/s1600/DSC_9889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm5wMk2nv3jIXO6nkmjNGnpinqOSHV2TBAr4FQ-OEETjxNCuUQqe2DVtPeZepW_j1LzTbhTMzU-OWyDRXMD6X_BsmQvay6x7LdyavmVt7Lep_i0ZK9TwlVTlIHJMmKWBf2dp-7Ej_09XX/s400/DSC_9889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">USE ADVICE</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One of the great things about BCTF is that you can get advice from the organiser, be it display or price setting. I found it very useful, otherwise you may stuck with your unsolved problem. If you have advice available, of course do use it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>REFLECTION</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Over all, it was a good show despite my nervousness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I had so many positive feedback about both my work and my display. I took a small notebook to record visitor’s information and it came back almost full. Many of co-exhibitors came and left me positive comments too, which is really encouraging and supportive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Except, I had one lady stopped by and left me a negative comment. “Your work is too simple, too domestic.” to my face then she walked off! I was stunned and did not what to say, so I just said “sorry”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I ranted a little bit over Instagram post but after reading some comments, I had a second thought. Maybe I should take this as a compliment. Because I know that pottery is never simple. It takes practice, skills, knowledge and effort. It also takes time to get “simple” right. You can easily overdo things in pottery, almost to “hide” the lack of skills or weakness. So if my work appears to be “simple and domestic”, it means that my aim of everyday tableware has been achieved. Maybe this lady actually helped me refocus what I am aiming for! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibScBauFt8Z1b_qLvqdx8QVFL80R5iWxQAOJIde8k0jvUTplfkZBojGyWR4FTSqJqvMTAyWFY9BAqo7uHmFdIYjyIEYToLPF8nDXXPcrVVfE9WoXbHtiYCkwzfF-Hhvz7WaDvL752A7iXk/s1600/BCTFside1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibScBauFt8Z1b_qLvqdx8QVFL80R5iWxQAOJIde8k0jvUTplfkZBojGyWR4FTSqJqvMTAyWFY9BAqo7uHmFdIYjyIEYToLPF8nDXXPcrVVfE9WoXbHtiYCkwzfF-Hhvz7WaDvL752A7iXk/s400/BCTFside1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyway, I must say I am very happy with the show result, as I have received Christmas exhibitions offers and a good numbers of orders from galleries that keeps me busy for the rest of year. Some galleries that had my work back in 2013 have come back and ordered many, which is truly grateful knowing that they are happy to have my work again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hope you enjoyed behind the scene of BCTF and some photos. Thank you for reading. m x</span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-9033631812648990932018-02-02T20:35:00.000+00:002018-03-07T22:43:24.667+00:00SHOP OPEN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MYgjMbq9yyIsQMYZPEp9WAM7fRsBdmPb9m2uaqfmgPEe-8pcVzcWSHN4wNfJNdlOib0bFWlHMjBhyq48Kgjp8z5WdZNEd9jfAZy_Q9uV9HNJedSdH0AUDRF6MoTXQkqMKIugJieLDStc/s1600/shopopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MYgjMbq9yyIsQMYZPEp9WAM7fRsBdmPb9m2uaqfmgPEe-8pcVzcWSHN4wNfJNdlOib0bFWlHMjBhyq48Kgjp8z5WdZNEd9jfAZy_Q9uV9HNJedSdH0AUDRF6MoTXQkqMKIugJieLDStc/s400/shopopen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b>My online shop has reopened. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am currently reviewing the design and size of some items prior to the trade show in April. Therefore some current stock are now on sale with reduced price. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Another good news is that I have set for an international shipping to most of Europe countries and Japan, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand too. Hope this may be a good news for some? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You can browse from <u><i><a href="https://www.makikohastings.com/shop" target="_blank">here</a></i></u>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for your support. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Maki x</span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-45173995669233725832018-01-12T12:41:00.002+00:002018-01-12T12:41:58.246+00:00Goals for 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_cdF0fKXs_9NoicxK_3K58eU23UmEKu5QTEJDpNGJrXPqBuT3lkfEnDi03SZ-pW5lN_0WSVxb5zNNPP_KNknAVIYXgxXtyVA6UvNf1_a7t14FQu4GJHmp5wdR2frZZzz6k_ARzHKI1je/s1600/newgoals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_cdF0fKXs_9NoicxK_3K58eU23UmEKu5QTEJDpNGJrXPqBuT3lkfEnDi03SZ-pW5lN_0WSVxb5zNNPP_KNknAVIYXgxXtyVA6UvNf1_a7t14FQu4GJHmp5wdR2frZZzz6k_ARzHKI1je/s400/newgoals.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">We are back home safely from Japan. My girl has returned to school and our routine has gone back to our usual, but my body clock has been behind the routine from travel fatigue, hence it took me a while to write my blog post. How are you all? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It was rather unexpected holiday that </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">as my mum has gone ill during our stay</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I ended up looking after two of my loving people. Leaving my poorly mum behind is not easy, but I hear she is on a mend thankfully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">During flying back home, I was thinking about how I would like my 2018 to be. Without a doubt, “good health and well-being” is on the top of my list. Without it, I cannot make my work and be there for my family. It’s so simple but one of the most difficult goals to achieve for me. Taking my own time, especially for resting time has never been easy. I even feel guilty when I’m not working. So this year, I would like to look after my well-being more consciously and not to feel guilty for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After our plane landed, I saw a woman struggling to sort out the buggy with one hand and other holding a little baby. Everyone was just walking pass. I instantly offered her a help and she asked me to hold her baby girl whilst she was sorting out the buggy. The moment I hold the baby, I felt warmth. My daughter looked at the little baby and told me that she used to be that small. She gently stroked the baby’s hair and smiled. The woman and I had a little chat and she thanked me with a somewhat relieved smile. It was a little precious moment that my girl and I shared because of helping this woman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When we don’t have time, we tend not to notice what’s around us. But if we can slow down a little bit, then we may be able to see what might be more important. We may be able to realise a sense of gratitude in our life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So my goal in 2018 is “being gentle with yourself” and “being kind to others”.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Have you thought about your goal for this year? Would you like to share? Whatever that is, I hope you had a good start to the new year. </span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-34601338203389065812018-01-01T08:00:00.000+00:002018-01-01T08:00:16.937+00:00A Happy New Year<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqmQjnaWaPqd1k98vXut3B1cbJMPaVWphZBQ1s17eDIpKbWCke8bWNlegP_WMfpBeHkDi_CyEwpQ2bDKoc0YyRR7vYXTqkNCMVH7qtvVfLKkFW6v7pk45HG9p7F8n4fvLemHYNj1FVJCA/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqmQjnaWaPqd1k98vXut3B1cbJMPaVWphZBQ1s17eDIpKbWCke8bWNlegP_WMfpBeHkDi_CyEwpQ2bDKoc0YyRR7vYXTqkNCMVH7qtvVfLKkFW6v7pk45HG9p7F8n4fvLemHYNj1FVJCA/s400/IMG_6227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for visiting my blog, all your likes and comments in 2017. It was certainly a year of big changes for me as I became sorely self-employed and full-time in my studio work. Also having seen my little girl starting her school, after years of difficulties in her medical health, it was an emotional year. I’ve shared my story from time to time, and it was great to receive your kind messages, which have been truly encouraging and helped me get through. I cannot thank you enough for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here to your happy and healthy 2018!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Talking about a new year, me and my girl are now in Japan, spending some time with my family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Maki x </span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-74667279607810119732017-12-21T20:00:00.000+00:002017-12-22T18:43:21.246+00:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-A-yl8Cp3_B-Ab9Q8ih3PDh2xt2mj8j3pntug6re8G7kfHLj1p7U79ysCNucz54-IB1btqEFmP2Msl8V-H3WJMyByJrS_bLWRUYQ6V9GYi41wcD6nujtwPeFGNDMMxYbajRpO2fgyHYo/s1600/IG.221217.xmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-A-yl8Cp3_B-Ab9Q8ih3PDh2xt2mj8j3pntug6re8G7kfHLj1p7U79ysCNucz54-IB1btqEFmP2Msl8V-H3WJMyByJrS_bLWRUYQ6V9GYi41wcD6nujtwPeFGNDMMxYbajRpO2fgyHYo/s400/IG.221217.xmas2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much everyone for checking out my inconsistent blog!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have been so busy and find it difficult to update blog more regularly. (I’m more regular at <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/makikohastings/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></u> these days) Nevertheless, I still like a proper writing space, be it notes to myself or my ponder rather. I will continue writing my blog as much as I can, so please continue come and say hello!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Did you know you can get notification of my blog update via email? If you are interested in, please resister, you can find it on the top right hand corner of my blog. (You can see this bit only on PC screen I think, not mobile, sorry!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here is some seasonal captures for you. Hope you like them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOywpSBMcivkSjagW6Huzjpq2aPYUjMJKzzZ4DtvvZUs9xeWHJVow7xBFq26WpOycc7R7y49buy3R-z7kHWIuIAH0gkH23bPXc0w9MvzcerHVF-e5LJk-DwDmm2WwvXJnX_mThWWjiTkx/s1600/DSC_8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOywpSBMcivkSjagW6Huzjpq2aPYUjMJKzzZ4DtvvZUs9xeWHJVow7xBFq26WpOycc7R7y49buy3R-z7kHWIuIAH0gkH23bPXc0w9MvzcerHVF-e5LJk-DwDmm2WwvXJnX_mThWWjiTkx/s400/DSC_8452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0P3IcR0KtwjizO4ogIzU2ieFnavUuqqE9yqckJ-YZQyiOewKmZtReakZ5XkkO8ATONtw4i7cE9a8FbvmjWX76B78npHG-QGPleksMq90IUV4hUP8VXLbBb0MSO5LdzJnACs8IFsyg93s/s1600/IG.191117.xmas+hanging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0P3IcR0KtwjizO4ogIzU2ieFnavUuqqE9yqckJ-YZQyiOewKmZtReakZ5XkkO8ATONtw4i7cE9a8FbvmjWX76B78npHG-QGPleksMq90IUV4hUP8VXLbBb0MSO5LdzJnACs8IFsyg93s/s400/IG.191117.xmas+hanging.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">School run finished. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Studio door shut. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Now candles and mulled wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Who’s with me? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whatever you do, wherever you are, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wishing you all a happy warm Christmas! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Maki xxx</span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-88072865278971714232017-11-26T20:10:00.000+00:002017-11-26T20:10:11.307+00:00SHOP OPEN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ypPItuiasNpN6Th-oJVVkwm02NBU05PyAePOxhYTmwap-b6VjtaH40yxV1TzIszrtOSTQF001gbBlqsa4PNHDoRR6F5OowTUT3PPSBy11trco2ssROVXxc8RRaNYipjMXhh8IFcUTjmt/s1600/DSC_7795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ypPItuiasNpN6Th-oJVVkwm02NBU05PyAePOxhYTmwap-b6VjtaH40yxV1TzIszrtOSTQF001gbBlqsa4PNHDoRR6F5OowTUT3PPSBy11trco2ssROVXxc8RRaNYipjMXhh8IFcUTjmt/s400/DSC_7795.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Finally my <b>online shop</b> has gone live tonight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hope you can pop over and have a loooook! You can view from my website </span><i><a href="http://www.makikohastings.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: "hiragino maru gothic pro"; font-size: 11px;">→ </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">here </span></b></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">(Shop will be closing on Friday day 15th December.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Any feedback is welcome. </span>Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">m x</span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-9158268879189502662017-11-11T22:29:00.001+00:002017-11-12T07:49:43.802+00:00Christmas Makers Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ14cFF9_GgRnHU5vfqZ-b3BV0RJjmfMejsE9XUyL8zQlUeag_orBXUwD3Dsheo0NbTOi92OyyfPkbriHaxDjugWpgtzYs21mp6ge9Y42FZFpZM3vtgd-P4bNBknsSn96TOq_OXWnLc_43/s1600/xmas+market+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="827" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ14cFF9_GgRnHU5vfqZ-b3BV0RJjmfMejsE9XUyL8zQlUeag_orBXUwD3Dsheo0NbTOi92OyyfPkbriHaxDjugWpgtzYs21mp6ge9Y42FZFpZM3vtgd-P4bNBknsSn96TOq_OXWnLc_43/s640/xmas+market+poster.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Ok, it’s not too early to mention Christmas now, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Are you a early planner, or like me rather leaving till the last minute?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whichever the case you are, here is the event you may like to anticipate this season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I will be attending <b>Christmas Makers Market </b>on <b>Saturday 25th November</b> at <b><u><a href="https://www.ruralarts.org/" target="_blank">Rural Art</a></u></b>, among with other artists. Rural Arts is a beautiful gallery with lots of fun workshop and a lovely cafe, located in a Yorkshire town, Thirsk. If you are near by, why not pop over for your first </span>Christmas shopping? <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">(or even last for a well-organised person!) </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Meeting makers and artists is a great fun, talking to them and finding out their insight. Purchasing something directly from them is rather special too.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I will be showcasing a selection of tableware, as well as Christmas decorations and hangings. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNr4tjMOAY4gqsj-BGdO7mSilSvtVyr_NYYEOgLNAiCTh2wVnZi8MJnMH8_NWw5IhChe8pXfz3_CAIMS29QwsD-qAYG9jrCsOQ_BFruco2vaftbhgFY9_HDWYE4w67kXNmiIo68aBGT-L/s1600/IG.24.10.16.xmas+bells+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNr4tjMOAY4gqsj-BGdO7mSilSvtVyr_NYYEOgLNAiCTh2wVnZi8MJnMH8_NWw5IhChe8pXfz3_CAIMS29QwsD-qAYG9jrCsOQ_BFruco2vaftbhgFY9_HDWYE4w67kXNmiIo68aBGT-L/s320/IG.24.10.16.xmas+bells+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my Christmas bells will be also available</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The show is from 10 am to 4pm. For direction and more information, please visit the website <u><a href="https://www.ruralarts.org/" target="_blank">Rural Arts</a></u>. Looking forward to meeting you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">* * *</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Those who cannot be near Yorkshire, my online shop will be open soon. If you don’t want miss out, please sign up to my newsletter to get early notification. You can do so via <u><a href="https://www.ruralarts.org/" target="_blank">my website</a></u>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for your support.</span></div>
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makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-45922166598411717192017-10-27T21:43:00.001+01:002017-10-28T11:12:02.509+01:00NEW WEBSITE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Hello everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have been rather quiet here lately. Where did October go?? Honestly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Actually there were lots of things I wanted to write about in my blog, but with lots of things to be done, time always seems to be gone by before I get a chance to write anything! Agh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Anyway, here is a brief but BIG NEWS for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>My new website has gone live! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have been aiming to upgrade my website since Sabrina was born, then four years have passed. (whoops!) Doing it all by yourself is not so easy for a non-tech person like me. But I did it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Right now, I am on the next stage, which is setting up my online shop, which I am hoping to open by the end of November. Fingers crossed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In the meantime, hope you can enjoy viewing my website and let me know what you think. Any feedback is welcome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you would like to know about my shop update and future event, please sign up for my newsletter. You can receive early notification.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">All link is here; <span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://makikohastings.com/"><b>makikohastings.com</b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for your support. x m</span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-80048884317111766902017-09-13T21:05:00.000+01:002017-09-13T22:37:23.783+01:00Wardlow Mires Pottery & Food Festival<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL67cMsBBXACHVDrz7KZaGh0kqgtsxw_INTZHy-zNxHJofQwFKAUMZifd92adiqSOlYWmj6uUBN64LHFDujUilvkRAB81zrLpr9v3tq1XjlXPieu3TgQXOg0Cqb8u8iUmMpl9MdKjulAm/s1600/DSC_6720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL67cMsBBXACHVDrz7KZaGh0kqgtsxw_INTZHy-zNxHJofQwFKAUMZifd92adiqSOlYWmj6uUBN64LHFDujUilvkRAB81zrLpr9v3tq1XjlXPieu3TgQXOg0Cqb8u8iUmMpl9MdKjulAm/s400/DSC_6720.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">show venue in the middle of beautiful Peak District (before the storm!)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">A huge and belated thank you for those who came to <b><a href="http://www.potsandfood.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wardlow Mires Pottery & Food Festival</a> </b>last weekend despite the horrendous weather. You were all amazing! If you have seen my story clip from Instagram, you could tell the buzz of the venue. I was actually stunned how busy it was! It was wonderful to meet so many people, had a chat about work and life, and to see off many of my work to happy new homes. Thank you so much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here are a round up of this show and more of goodies from other potters at the end. Hope you enjoy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“A celebration of the table”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A keyword of this show by the organiser <a href="http://www.potsandfood.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Pat Fuller</b> </a>was stuck in my head since I first heard about this event a few years ago. To me, pottery has always been to be used and enjoyed at the table, which was deep in the food-culture in my Japanese background. However, as you can find so many industrial ceramics out there, I guess it is not as easy as you think for people to bring “handmade” pottery to home. But actually I feel more and more people enjoy their home cooked meal with family and friends these days, and they are realising that a joy of the table can be brought with handmade pottery to serve the food. I’ve been holding this idea, which is quite a basic but easily forgotten, as the main reason that I love making pottery and love to share with people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So with a lots of expectation, I finally visited the event last summer. Well, you know what? It went beyond my expectation. It was bloody brilliant! Up until then, when it comes to ceramic event, tableware were not necessary the centre of focus. But this show was all about it, which was exactly what I was looking for. So you know how much I was delighted to take part of this show. I cannot thank the organiser Pat enough for being so kind and encouraging. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhowqxsKwpmYK3rLdiL0Y9sy8-5U1BmQ91RP8PC2sk4Il-UoDPnv6F5aq4loOmh0Mxv5JDYeVcFF73kttFGO4m7qDcdefmDJdb410bFV47fSbwY2K17BexDiyWdqFz-JNV6mHNJdeQDGVC/s1600/stand1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhowqxsKwpmYK3rLdiL0Y9sy8-5U1BmQ91RP8PC2sk4Il-UoDPnv6F5aq4loOmh0Mxv5JDYeVcFF73kttFGO4m7qDcdefmDJdb410bFV47fSbwY2K17BexDiyWdqFz-JNV6mHNJdeQDGVC/s400/stand1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my stand at the show (need more refining!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Setting up with my display stand whilst you look around many established potters’s wonderful displays wasn’t an easy one. I kept feeling that my stand looked rubbish and amateurish. Not enough height, not enough impact. I was rather disheartened to be honest. The space in our car was limited with my daughter and camping gears, as one of my excuses. Yet the show like this is actually a good place to learn, too. I hope I will get better at it with practice over time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI-urq-PhSsu6x-aXhpvR4aUgjuZW6HG1CJxpltb1U_h4KIZoAioRpZ3j67Wf0T2j4g49flrXltwQK8ePGwqB-jSPyx0nNAUqAgqCBK2uD-EaCHA_3ukFAfAsthuYc2QCo2QiX7McBKth/s1600/stand3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI-urq-PhSsu6x-aXhpvR4aUgjuZW6HG1CJxpltb1U_h4KIZoAioRpZ3j67Wf0T2j4g49flrXltwQK8ePGwqB-jSPyx0nNAUqAgqCBK2uD-EaCHA_3ukFAfAsthuYc2QCo2QiX7McBKth/s400/stand3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As you can see, I displayed two of my recent work, “<i>rakugaki</i>” (blue and white series) and “<i>mazekoze</i>” (four coloured) in symmetrical way. The interesting thing from this show for me was to hear what people say about my work. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoYvMPRxWRpp0MpFnW3iCDQTQt3gA328giaJQWH4OkMtYi0lkaX-wTKrR6fJXgRdACbuO8edcBiPCbHu6jsQrVVBPwR0AhKzQZ7_IDSaz1WQsSrs6cfKgjoUGkM02djBxf49eiW4ZmW75/s1600/stand2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoYvMPRxWRpp0MpFnW3iCDQTQt3gA328giaJQWH4OkMtYi0lkaX-wTKrR6fJXgRdACbuO8edcBiPCbHu6jsQrVVBPwR0AhKzQZ7_IDSaz1WQsSrs6cfKgjoUGkM02djBxf49eiW4ZmW75/s400/stand2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my "rakugaki" mugs and jugs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Many mentioned that “<i>rakugaki</i>” has a sort of Scandinavian feel. I do love Scandi style myself, but have never thought about it when I was making these. It’s rather nice to know such taste comes out naturally not deliberately, so I am very happy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3Pf7B0otVACa-fHDRe3hNI1kKBTrtYJUl24_LBT53vIiIK4AdzQq8vdmzhcGggbOWqjtKj80uUaXPYsZ0i0pzuC-WTuvDkyUqZ9_PJqzcjHDS-qDqngzOu-wNTy1sk6gPG_ZHfqWRHgv/s1600/stand4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3Pf7B0otVACa-fHDRe3hNI1kKBTrtYJUl24_LBT53vIiIK4AdzQq8vdmzhcGggbOWqjtKj80uUaXPYsZ0i0pzuC-WTuvDkyUqZ9_PJqzcjHDS-qDqngzOu-wNTy1sk6gPG_ZHfqWRHgv/s400/stand4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"mazekoze" nesting bowls</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As for “<i>mazekoze</i>”, the colours and the texture of glazes were well received. If you’re my blog reader for a while, you know it took me a long time to get these colours, so it is nice to hear such a good response. Some says “organic”, some says beautiful to the eyes and to touch. That made my day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Many also mentioned that they can see Japanese-ness in my “caring to the details” approach, but there are also freedom in designs like Western. What a great compliment! Thank you everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Now, you know I cannot take my eyes off other potters as a pottery lover. There were many established and talented potters at the show. I would like to share some of my favourites with you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="http://www.isabelmerrick.co.uk/" target="_blank">ISABEL MERRICK </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have been a big fan of Isabel’s work for some time now as I posted in the past (</span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/potfest-in-park.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">). Those colourful surface decoration are truly joy to the eyes and we enjoy having a cuppa in her lovely mug everyday. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbLQ7m6RKRm-jZOpNJMBdTM8z_sThyphenhyphen3A7IDxSrZxV_yZl0dZu0BmTABPYSK99N1peLo8LOHhIRwdfqiMz64RVzrpSU3_KCGZbgBRZSIZeVXPWNOoPoFKraGzFtyP5yvpLPK4g1kXyOETh/s1600/isabel1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbLQ7m6RKRm-jZOpNJMBdTM8z_sThyphenhyphen3A7IDxSrZxV_yZl0dZu0BmTABPYSK99N1peLo8LOHhIRwdfqiMz64RVzrpSU3_KCGZbgBRZSIZeVXPWNOoPoFKraGzFtyP5yvpLPK4g1kXyOETh/s400/isabel1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">colourful stand with ISABEL MERRICK</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0x7QWnuhSwzR-UHU0I8q26fhLZpaqSJUI8JfIBxtjY-0A8PCZGdKwuIZhzof5Fbe7ecfpgJJwHTXndn2w96wrQp2gTEvQB5YNZEYTVTGvXgaRN8Uk4EFg1hVCanYYwmUU9x_5D6YLzWH/s1600/isabel2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0x7QWnuhSwzR-UHU0I8q26fhLZpaqSJUI8JfIBxtjY-0A8PCZGdKwuIZhzof5Fbe7ecfpgJJwHTXndn2w96wrQp2gTEvQB5YNZEYTVTGvXgaRN8Uk4EFg1hVCanYYwmUU9x_5D6YLzWH/s400/isabel2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">bird butter dish by ISABEL MERRICK</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Actually Isabel has been a great asset for me to come to this show. Always encouraging and giving me positive feedback, and in fact she was the one who persuaded me to apply for this show a year ago. It is so fortunate to meet someone like Isabel, as I feel like I have got a mentor! Thank you Isabel, as always. It was lovely seeing you again, (and your fabulous tent with fairly lights!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="http://bramptonpottery.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">MARGARET BRAMPTON</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have never met Margaret before, but she approached me to say that she’s been reading my blog. You know I share about my daughter’s condition etc in blog, talking to her felt like rather personal and intimate. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCyq0glKu2ubT_VZbbLBh2FIDWoL3YW6qx9hD5Igiux_pox3Bb96-2EP-wxnBr7i6wsP2hDOb3UE3nHgr3cBuurv_cWsaqOWe9BpVA0R5XL7qFsY4SjGuGuOyS8Z1KEj93JWGJnNWJhzm/s1600/margaret1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCyq0glKu2ubT_VZbbLBh2FIDWoL3YW6qx9hD5Igiux_pox3Bb96-2EP-wxnBr7i6wsP2hDOb3UE3nHgr3cBuurv_cWsaqOWe9BpVA0R5XL7qFsY4SjGuGuOyS8Z1KEj93JWGJnNWJhzm/s400/margaret1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">MARGARET BRAMPTON and her stand</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDoY7x9on-XR4gQVIss-LWZfHt4_bXk63wmokmFXSPb5SvYO1Xo4b0_ztyShq8UN8NhkNfPMyxRgJmF8A66B8T1j0LhFfX8jCPImHW2XIil4SNu7MeXzgEQoU-HjHpJmd5qvGxjvu6fiv/s1600/margaret2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDoY7x9on-XR4gQVIss-LWZfHt4_bXk63wmokmFXSPb5SvYO1Xo4b0_ztyShq8UN8NhkNfPMyxRgJmF8A66B8T1j0LhFfX8jCPImHW2XIil4SNu7MeXzgEQoU-HjHpJmd5qvGxjvu6fiv/s400/margaret2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">an excellent owl bowl by MARGARET BRAMPTON</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Margaret produces traditional slipware with sgraffito decoration, many of which are flora and fauna. I was instantly drawn to her owl bowl with a quirky handle. You know I could not resist! Happily came home with us. Thank you Margaret, it was so lovely to meet you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://www.fleendoran.com/" target="_blank">FLEEN DORAN</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fleen’s stand was directly opposite to me. I haven’t seen her work at first hand before but I knew from an article in Ceramic Review. Fleen makes wood-fired salt-glazed stoneware with stamped surface decoration, which is her unique charms. She also makes simple yet elegant porcelain pieces. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMGN6bUwlasbf0u4VohFmzjlVjOOEg0LdbdOB6rZtmZW3Eu-P8qqxrBOaGR7W3k4AT6sVRUCF8OKi-r2uGZ2MXSHhRQWTMYwxIh-yFW8kKBL8ymKsFkcm_dtJpFVKxuHdUIqtxrC2UIcp/s1600/DSC_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMGN6bUwlasbf0u4VohFmzjlVjOOEg0LdbdOB6rZtmZW3Eu-P8qqxrBOaGR7W3k4AT6sVRUCF8OKi-r2uGZ2MXSHhRQWTMYwxIh-yFW8kKBL8ymKsFkcm_dtJpFVKxuHdUIqtxrC2UIcp/s400/DSC_6737.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">FLEEN DORAN and her beautiful salt-glazed work</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Fleen kindly shared her tips about online shop, mailing list etc and all was very helpful information for me, as I am hoping to build that up this year. She is now expecting her first baby and it was lovely to chat with her, and she also spoken to my daughter at the site. All the best Fleen and looking forward to hear if it’s a girl or a boy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="http://www.benfoskerpotter.co.uk/" target="_blank">BEN FOSKER</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Ben’s free, wild and somewhat primitive drawings on his work are just so appealing to many of us, I’m sure. They make us happy! It's a simple fact! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzHiyKU4xUZf1sbQlpepfPqYtnGLfV93W97ohi-EC0vrvrpp4GuPGiYlV5c2rG0w1ouJGM2GK4h2i_ktEFdA8vUCXC3GgZzydQ0KZ60f3e7zSIDk-54LQYPPUie6D-nP_e0zUegCFaJQv/s1600/ben2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzHiyKU4xUZf1sbQlpepfPqYtnGLfV93W97ohi-EC0vrvrpp4GuPGiYlV5c2rG0w1ouJGM2GK4h2i_ktEFdA8vUCXC3GgZzydQ0KZ60f3e7zSIDk-54LQYPPUie6D-nP_e0zUegCFaJQv/s400/ben2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">BEN’s whimsical drawings bring us happiness</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbJ2a9Z2PssFklTc1ZH2r18TOMMTa_mDDiZ_OGlNMiokvD9rehSVB-kvNRYeIXCNs82JFN3M804XVRtQn_OiY1nw7fGscbOt_M-0u1hNdylhXawT-kkYxYV9DfVDbP8egskP16rXs_R02/s1600/ben1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbJ2a9Z2PssFklTc1ZH2r18TOMMTa_mDDiZ_OGlNMiokvD9rehSVB-kvNRYeIXCNs82JFN3M804XVRtQn_OiY1nw7fGscbOt_M-0u1hNdylhXawT-kkYxYV9DfVDbP8egskP16rXs_R02/s400/ben1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A man to watch! BEN FOSKER</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">His drawings fascinate me a lot. As I also draw my “<i>rakugaki</i>” series, it’s good to get inspiration from other artists work too. Having spoken to him over Facebook for some years now, it is strange to meet him this way because you don’t feel like a first time. He is indeed a lovely chap as you imagined and kindly shared the story about his family and his thought about the show. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekPqfOoh4VD66aPb3ojHsQsGKzpEegu5rlOpOnrzsSa3WtTAz2bjn8tMbwAh2fWsub2PpbRv6sOAfOeGX1UuWlE-4s8Glg_Zla449GEEO618iDRknLjyZUMuNpJGlLLu-rdx78SFNL-2j/s1600/ben3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekPqfOoh4VD66aPb3ojHsQsGKzpEegu5rlOpOnrzsSa3WtTAz2bjn8tMbwAh2fWsub2PpbRv6sOAfOeGX1UuWlE-4s8Glg_Zla449GEEO618iDRknLjyZUMuNpJGlLLu-rdx78SFNL-2j/s400/ben3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">wonderful owl platter by BEN FOSKER</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I always wanted his work one day, so this owl platter now sat on </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><i><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/how-do-you-decorate-wall.html" target="_blank">my bird wall</a></i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> looking at us everyday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="http://sheilaherring.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">SHEILA HERRING</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I was looking around prior to the show starts, Sheila’s pottery was the very first one that I was attracted to. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSQoGT2aC_6BGdYiJY44mStCWYo8pZf6j54Q8-Motbyw81qHWtQ_dLeWWLSSUrC3zZtq1UVN8ilBV28MRY9y9A45cLaxVgLWTUjtSxwLd7OaMGEZ3H38qvv7ud0O02hTeQKWId70Dbkkh/s1600/sheila2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSQoGT2aC_6BGdYiJY44mStCWYo8pZf6j54Q8-Motbyw81qHWtQ_dLeWWLSSUrC3zZtq1UVN8ilBV28MRY9y9A45cLaxVgLWTUjtSxwLd7OaMGEZ3H38qvv7ud0O02hTeQKWId70Dbkkh/s400/sheila2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> pencil drawings by SHEILA HERRING</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUYpS3JxclTIDS9NWshcpp4l10bB_JmbapDj9m8EzDHatdCJ8_YrvLcYQZ03XkKEKIKLvMnaWzpxrpVSJpQI29XURupXmGHFn-jKAiqI9uksb9Ym-0IWX0DfAD4LeQ0foem6DkqBk60JS/s1600/sheila1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUYpS3JxclTIDS9NWshcpp4l10bB_JmbapDj9m8EzDHatdCJ8_YrvLcYQZ03XkKEKIKLvMnaWzpxrpVSJpQI29XURupXmGHFn-jKAiqI9uksb9Ym-0IWX0DfAD4LeQ0foem6DkqBk60JS/s400/sheila1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">SHEILA HERRING and her stand</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She explores the surface design with pencil line drawings and sgraffito. I just love those techniques and tools. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">As you might remember that I used to use pencil line drawings on my old “</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">rakugaki</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">”, it brought a smile to my face when I saw her work. With additional colours and dark clay that she altered its shape and embossed pattern, her work brings to life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">my fav jug of the day by SHEILA HERRING</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I adore this jug with a flower handle. What a creation! Great meeting you Sheila.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="http://www.potsandfood.co.uk/" target="_blank">PAT FULLER </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Finally I cannot thank enough for this opportunity to Pat the organiser of this wonderful event. Her friendly, welcoming and down-to-earth character is such an admiration to many of us, certainly to me and helped put me at ease at the show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">beautiful teapot and cups by PAT FULLER</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We returned home with a perfect memory too. We shall treasure them. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much for reading along! Hope you enjoy it and find your favourite too. You can click each name to visit the potter’s website to find out more. </span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-72106399702097056622017-09-03T20:19:00.001+01:002017-10-04T13:41:49.419+01:00Northern Ireland part 2: what the beautiful beach means to us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Continued from the previous travel post from our family holiday in Northern Ireland. Today’s post is about a little bit more personal issue about the beach and my girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Northern Ireland landscapes were simply spectacular. They are truly beautiful and peaceful. We visited four beaches in 2 days, including the famous <b><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway" target="_blank">Giant Causeway</a></b>, which was so interesting to see and we had a lovely walk down there in a fresh air. But all in all, we love <b><a href="https://discovernorthernireland.com/Whiterocks-Beach-Portrush-Portrush-P7439/" target="_blank">White Rocks</a></b> the best. It was such a calm and clean beach. I’ve never seen any beach that more beautiful than that before, certainly not in UK. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">During our stay, pretty much every night it had rained as weather forecast said, so we were expecting walking around in a rain coat. But guess what? We had so much sunshine during the day time! Hurray!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So we quickly changed the plan and drove toward the beach. At this point, we did not know about White Rocks beach but it was the first one we could see, so we decided to have a go. As soon as we walked down to the beach, our daughter Sabrina was absolutely excited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Mummy, can I take my shoes off?” she asks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Off course you can.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Off she went with her smile and giggles that has no end.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The best part of our family holiday it was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sandy beach must have been a family holiday destination. Children love sand and water, full stop. We all know that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But we didn’t really do that up until now, due to the fact that Sabrina has had a doctor warning for sand playing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As I mentioned before, my girl has eye condition called <b><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/a-little-fighters-2013.html" target="_blank">Peter’s Anomaly</a></b> and has cornea transplanted on her one eye. Other eye's cornea is very thin. Although both corneas remain healthy today, the loss of sight from the infection and the risk of rejection of graft still remains too, which can be caused by the damage of the surface of her eyes by rubbing sandy eyes, so her doctor always cautioned us ever since. She was basically too young to be able to handle sand carefully due to her dexterity and also to follow our reminder of “not to rub”. So even at the nursery, she did not play with sand, unless closely supervised like 1:1, which wouldn’t be most of the case. I used to feel bad and maybe over protective, but we could not weigh the same as missing a fun play for a short while to her difficult start we went through and the miracle she had gained (her sight). </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But that slowly has changed. As I wrote last summer (<i><u><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/sand-debut-official.html" target="_blank">in this post</a></u></i>), Sabrina had a little “sand debut” at the age of three. It was the moment that she experienced the sand for the first time and was also the moment that I almost cried. Thereafter, we visited the beach near us for several times to let her experience more sand plays at the beach, the feel of waves and the smell of ocean. She loved it of course, but we still remained as careful as we always did. For that I guess I may not have been freeing her as much as I should. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The thing is that this girl learns by herself all the time. Through a little experience of her world. Risk taking is always there in order to have fun. So this time, I let her go. Wild and free as she can be. Oh, she was ecstatic! Running around with her barefoot. Splashing the water. Stamping the sand and wetting her bottom. I can still hear her laughs and giggles when I see those photos. As normal kids do. She was having such a great time. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">The beach gave us the most beautiful memory of our family. </span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-46732411799199654582017-09-02T09:25:00.000+01:002017-09-02T20:17:06.298+01:00Northern Ireland part 1: collecting a hot pot by Adam Frew<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">gorgeous blue swish surface decorations</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Hello September. I can already feel autumn in the air. But before I anticipate my love of autumn, I’d like to share a bit of our summer holiday in Northern Ireland. As it is my travel post routine (is there such a thing?), I would like to share in two parts. Today, part 1 is about our journey to collect a gorgeous pottery!</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If you work with clay, it’s natural to fall in love with many ceramic work by other potters and artists all over the world. I have so many that I admire even just in UK, but with my hands down, my top favourite has always been <b><a href="http://www.adamfrew.com/" target="_blank">Adam Frew</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Adam and shelf-full of his wonderful work </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’ve blogged about his pot before (<i><u><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/inspirational-weekend-out-23-potlove.html" target="_blank">click here</a></u></i>) but my actual first sight to his pot was almost decade ago. His massive thrown pot with his celadon glaze and his quirky surface decoration instantly caught my eyes as I was passing by a gallery in York. I remember I was feeling too timid to go inside, so I walked back and forth by that window to try to see more of his pot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’ve admired his wonderful work ever since. What I love about his work most is the beautiful surface decoration. Unique, spontaneous and lively. His decoration has changed and evolved over years, for which I thoroughly enjoy viewing, more so with Instagram today. I have slowly collected some of his tableware with old and new designs, and we absolutely love them and enjoy using them. I adore the recent cobalt painterly decorations so much and I guess his inspiration comes from the seaside, which I can tell why after visiting beautiful beaches in the area. (I will write about this in next post) </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">we had lunch on Adam's handmade plate at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/babushkaportrush/" target="_blank">babushka cafe</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Luckily I had several opportunities to meet Adam and his wife <b><a href="http://www.catherinekeenanglass.com/" target="_blank">Catherine</a></b> (glass artist but currently on maternity leave with a gorgeous baby girl) who both used to exhibit at BCTF, where I was taking part as my degree course at local college. He also came to the college to demonstrate, so I was lucky enough to see his skills and insight much closer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So, what is about our trip to Northern Ireland and Adam’s pots?</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Well, it was before last Christmas that we started to thinking about this. Although celebration is not really our thing, as this year is our ten years anniversary, we were thinking about having something special to us, more precisely to our loving home. A bit personal choice of mine but I suggested Adam’s moon jar. I’ve been watching how he make them, they are totally blowing my mind, but also easily blow your budget too, so I’ve never thought I could have one. Then my kind husband actually loved the idea! He thought it would go so well on our new dining cabinet, where we can see everyday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Adam’s studio view</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I contacted him to see if he would do a commission for us. The answer was yes! What’s next? A trip to Northern Ireland, to collect the commissioned moon jar AND to view his studio. My absolute dream plan has begun. Together with my parents fiftieth anniversary and they are coming from Japan this summer, it was perfect reason that we all go to Northern Ireland for a holiday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">sneak peek of his drawings</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Actual visit was lovely. We met their baby daughter, who also welcomed us at the studio entrance. Adam was shying out about his studio being messy, but I always love looking artists work place so it was truly enjoyable. Adam kindly prepared several moon jars for us to choose from. Everything looks gorgeous, but my husband and I loved the same one, (thank god!) so we’ve brought the piece back home happily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As we had a little Sabrina, Catherine kindly suggested to go a children’s play gym all together after our studio visit. Sabrina had a wonderful time, as well as we chat about work and family life, which was also lovely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">the moon jar happily sits in our dining room today</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thank you so much Adam and Catherine for having us and giving us such a precious time.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Go check</span><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><u><a href="http://www.adamfrew.com/" target="_blank"> his website</a></u></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> and </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/adamfrewceramics/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">his Instagram</a> for more beautiful </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">work.</span></span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-34711828898457202612017-08-26T22:21:00.001+01:002017-08-28T14:46:10.846+01:00open studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">At first two weekends in August, I had my open studio as a part of FEVA arts trail (festival of entreatments and visual arts in Knaresborough). Thank you so much for those who visited. It was lovely seeing familiar faces as well as meeting new people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As always, I have combined open studio sale with fundraising for Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Many thanks again for those who kindly contributed to the donations. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica";">For those who could not make it, I have made a short film for you. Hope you can enjoy it as much as I did! (if you cannot view below, you can also view it via vimeo <i><b><a href="https://vimeo.com/231222608" target="_blank">→</a></b></i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><i><b><a href="https://vimeo.com/231222608" target="_blank">here</a></b></i>)</span></div>
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<br />makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-74639306259649209732017-07-31T17:30:00.000+01:002017-07-31T21:58:34.679+01:00Seeing a rainbow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">Seeing a rainbow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Four years ago I took this for granted. Everybody can do it. I was wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My daughter Sabrina was born with very severe eye condition called Peter’s Anomaly. Her eyes looked white opaque, as opposed to you’d have excited to find out what colour your new born’s eyes are. When the doctor eventually diagnosed it and explained that she was blind, my heart sunk. No family trace. Just a bad luck. It was a very rare condition like 2-3 cases in 10,000. She had a combined developmental problem with her eyes that required attention, as well as high pressure on her eyes risking potential damage. So she had to start medication immediately. She was only three day’s old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">You can read more detailed story in the blog post I wrote in the past. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">(</span><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/a-little-fighters-2013.html" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank"><b>→<i>here</i></b></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">) To</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> cut it short, our new family life turned into </span>unexpectedley<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> tough journey. Especially for little Sabrina. She had over 100 hospital appointments ever since, three major operations, after-op life threatening illness, on-going medication, daily activities to stimulate her developmental delay due to her lack of sight. We were just surviving everyday.</span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If there is a miracle, I’d say this was it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We fortunately met a specialist doctor who could offer Sabrina a chance of cornea transplant surgery. It is known to be a difficult one, especially for babies due to the risk of rejection. I was told that it would be less than 50% of success rate, and if fails, she could lose her eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I still think she was a lucky one as she has gradually gained a sight after the operation. (she had a transplant on her one eye) It was a miracle moment when she first found her own hands, and of course when she first looked at our eyes with her new eyes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWULV9OKosFCAEk3HRiDb_De3h2WxNYkH-cq43FzloOYJZa4Hj7dvX731lAytewAi6YElMxl39rWkFYvPfJ_I78N2CAPqMpMdsqx9Wkx65j3_awIJ2I5N76Ektb5a-yapctpGmAdh-nMz/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWULV9OKosFCAEk3HRiDb_De3h2WxNYkH-cq43FzloOYJZa4Hj7dvX731lAytewAi6YElMxl39rWkFYvPfJ_I78N2CAPqMpMdsqx9Wkx65j3_awIJ2I5N76Ektb5a-yapctpGmAdh-nMz/s320/glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabrina started to wear eye patch and glasses when she was still a little baby</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We have been watching this little girl learn so much as she grew. I mean, for her sight wise. How she sees is different from us. Her brain needed to adapt her way of seeing. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">With combination of eye patch training, stimuli training, on-going medication, she has adapted how she can see better in her own way to compensate the disadvantage.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> (mostly she tilts her head in a certain angle)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Her body did too, as she struggled to follow moving objects due to her limited peripheral vision and Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement). She often used to bump into other children but leant to move more carefully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">She wears sun glasses outdoor all year as her eyes are sensitive to light and glare. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(By the way did you know BONO from U2 are wearing sun glasses because of his eye condition?)</span> This helped her moving around, but seeing moving objects outdoor was probably the most difficult task for her, such as </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">flying birds, butterflies, aeroplanes, hopping squirrels… and rainbows. She could not see a rainbow. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I used to explain what it looks like using a picture book, but her eyes could just not work that way for a long time.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So you can imagine how delighted when she first recognised those things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“Mummy, it’s an aeroplane!” Pointed out a little object in the sky. I remember tears came down to my cheek. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I think this was when she was around three years old, she gradually started to recognise those things she didn’t before. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUZMqF5sunz5Sg2Kw3__FZOdWDVT8OWaS0PUfq_ctEgl2bqWK3H9qq38K-H6VK55xTo5hUZhS4SYp013iw0prSQqEfffY3ev3eNK4kVApkq2KiWryGpdvATgZZ60J00KpOkL_lxLRy04n/s1600/rainbow+in+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUZMqF5sunz5Sg2Kw3__FZOdWDVT8OWaS0PUfq_ctEgl2bqWK3H9qq38K-H6VK55xTo5hUZhS4SYp013iw0prSQqEfffY3ev3eNK4kVApkq2KiWryGpdvATgZZ60J00KpOkL_lxLRy04n/s400/rainbow+in+window.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A miracle moment - seeing a rainbow</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Then one day she pointed out through the window, “mummy it’s a rainbow”. That moment I felt really magical. It's difficult to see light (rainbow) not an object and through windows that can cause her glare. </span>Despite all the difficulties, she has managed to identify the rainbow by herself.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy girl turned to four recently</td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Sabrina continues to visit hospitals, take numbers of medications and carries the risk of the cornea rejection for the rest of her life. However, she is a happy, caring and confident four year’s old today. For this, we can’t thank enough for great specialist team at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, where they trains new doctors who can diagnose and treat someone like her in the future. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">This is the reason why I choose to donate 3% of profits from my open studio sale. I will be having another one in August. If you would like more information, please<a href="mailto:makikohastings@gmail.com" target="_blank"> <u>email me</u></a> or visit <a href="http://www.feva.info/programme/arts-trail/" target="_blank">FEVA art trail</a>. Thank you for your support. </span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2096226109855934373.post-2092890725474652872017-07-18T10:30:00.000+01:002017-07-18T22:53:49.467+01:00long way to come?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">How long do you preserve your idea? </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">How far do you stretch them? </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">How many time do you try and change? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">My pottery work goes through many paths and different stages.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">This can mean about the actual process of pottery, like throwing and firing, but what I also mean is about the idea. I mean how the idea becomes the real thing. It goes through the trials and errors, goes back and forth, until it gets to the point that you feel happy with. It may sound like a long winding road. I sometimes even doubt if I am wasting my time. But at the same time, I know it’s important for me to evolve through those paths. It gives me a reflection, direction and in the end, satisfaction. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMg3CMxqD1BSe_V7QAdnfXUkPQhwynXX6-QF9PUMOlbS_8zF4hLkAtEWhtp3PAbFrNeUwCjlvcxcfcfFUYFqJxCRyhdl3hHdOmft17Y3Fm8UcS8RnlYSFlbJo1cfxZ2isLYOV_0e7_vLx/s1600/IG.040717.coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMg3CMxqD1BSe_V7QAdnfXUkPQhwynXX6-QF9PUMOlbS_8zF4hLkAtEWhtp3PAbFrNeUwCjlvcxcfcfFUYFqJxCRyhdl3hHdOmft17Y3Fm8UcS8RnlYSFlbJo1cfxZ2isLYOV_0e7_vLx/s320/IG.040717.coffee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Whether you believe or not, the original idea of “<b>mazekoze</b>” series goes back to 2011! The idea of “mixing them up” , the meaning of “mazekoze”, was already there, but I was struggling with making into the actual shape and colour that I felt right. In fact I was stuck with making more surface pattern with single colour at first. </span>(<i><a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/ai-awase.html" target="_blank">see in this post</a></i>)</div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then later I started to focus on different colour combination rather than too many different surface patterns. This was around 2012, when I completed my BA. It was a good result and I felt that was much closer to my idea, so I have made quite a lot of batches. </span>(<a href="http://makikohastings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/ba-final-show-is-up-and-running.html" target="_blank"><i>see the post here</i></a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PdEYAiXZxkZCL-EZXvaoq-KFnnpsWE59fCzbDHaNVzKVzEhx3ZTM_sNGCDVTbsTzZ53Z_Y2B_AUwGKwSqLMaJHY8IhKmzQM_ryvYar76riESy5Ss0uY5BGSXOcDfFseswreLLVMcMit4/s1600/IG.090717.moon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PdEYAiXZxkZCL-EZXvaoq-KFnnpsWE59fCzbDHaNVzKVzEhx3ZTM_sNGCDVTbsTzZ53Z_Y2B_AUwGKwSqLMaJHY8IhKmzQM_ryvYar76riESy5Ss0uY5BGSXOcDfFseswreLLVMcMit4/s320/IG.090717.moon2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unfortunately this series has never seem to be well received comparing to “rakugaki” series (blue and white doodle ones). Whether that was wrong colour or the quality was not sufficient, people were not interested at many of the shows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I was actually very disheartened and almost given up continue making this series. </span>But somehow I kept my idea alive.<br />
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When I returned to my studio work after three year break, I thought I’d have to make a change to be workable within my limited time. What I did was to simplify. The whole design. The whole process.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Today I am happy to introduce you my new “mazekoze”. All of images here are new version. Much cleaner and simpler form. No fussy surface pattern. Different sizes that you can layer and stack. Colours you can enjoy different combination. Matt texture of glaze that enhances the food. All of which makes easy for anyone to use. And most of all it’s fun to mix!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Now the latest “sakura” glaze (pink hue) is added, I am really happy with the result. Hope you are too! To celebrate the path of this series, I’ve recently made a short film. The link is <i><b><a href="https://vimeo.com/225905095" target="_blank">here</a></b></i>. Hope you enjoy watching it. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">“mazekoze” ware are available at my next show, <b>Wardlow Mires Pottery & Food Festival</b> at the Peak District in September. Please find more details <i><a href="http://www.potsandfood.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a></i>.</span></div>
makiko hastingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16914063884949214814noreply@blogger.com2