2008 Touching Stone Gallery Exhibitions

This year, Touching Stone Gallery showcases five outstanding Japanese ceramists from the historic pottery centers of Tanba, Iga, and Echizen. These artists (Kiyoharu Ichino, Keiichi Shimizu, Tadashi Nishihata, Yoshitaka Hasu, and Reiko Kakiuchi-Cohen) all build their careers on centuries-old pottery traditions, but push the aesthetic and creative boundaries to new levels. In addition, we are privileged to host an exhibition for Santa Fe artist John Guernsey, whose extraordinary paintings embody both spontaneity and discipline.

Click on images to see exhibitions after opening dates

Click here to see 2007 exhibitions; Click here to see 2005 exhibitions 

April 4 - 30, 2008

Kiyoharu Ichino (Tanba)

One of the most original contemporary ceramists from the historic pottery center of Tanba, Kiyoharu Ichino strives to bring out the natural beauty of Tanba clay - a ferrous mountain soil that turns a rich purple-brown color after firing - using centuries old techniques in his wood-fueled kilns. His style is innovative without losing connection with Tanba traditions. His works appear to be integral parts of the clay rather than separate objects made from it. To emphasize the roughness of the mountain clay, he often creates "wounds" on the surface to expose the underlying textures.

Keiichi Shimizu (Tanba)

Noted for his modern interpretations of forms built upon Tanba traditions and materials, Keiichi Shimizu explores three-dimensional interplay of lines and surfaces. His deceptively simple and elegant forms in fact embody sophisticated geometric plays of lines and surfaces, brought together by use of indigenous Tanba clay with contrasting colors and texture.

John Guernsey (Santa Fe)

Santa Fe artist and Zen practitioner John Guernsey paints with his mind. Many of his paintings are done in a single stroke. His unique collection of evocative minimal oil-on-paper works demand absolute concentration not only from the artist, but also from the viewer.

Tadashi Nishihata (Tanba)

Tadashi Nishihata devoted much of his career to re-establish the techniques for the beautiful "Akadobe-yu" (red clay glaze) finish found on old Tanba pottery made during the early Edo period. After decades of research, he successfully reproduced the finish in 2001. This is a major contribution to the Japanese pottery tradition. In both 2005 and 2006, Nishihata won the coveted Grand Prize of the Chanoyu exhibition sponsored by the Tanabe Museum of Art, the first time this prestigious award has ever been bestowed to the same artist in two consecutive years.

Yoshitaka Hasu (Iga)

One of the most distinctive ceramic artists from the historic Japanese pottery center of Iga, Yoshitaka Hasu is known for his meticulous designs, bold and strong forms, and dramatic firing that bring out the unique characters of Iga clay.

Reiko Kakiuchi-Cohen (Echizen)

Reiko Kakiuchi-Cohen's unique and stunning Echizen pottery can be traced back to her late husband, American ceramist Ben Cohen, who lived for many years in Japan. Ms. Kakiuchi-Cohen's works embody strength and femininity, a fitting tribute to the legacy of these artists.