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March 10 - April 29, 2006

Kiyoharu Ichino is one of the most original contemporary ceramists from the historic pottery center of Tanba.  His working principle is to bring out the natural beauty of Tanba clay - a ferrous mountain soil that turns deep purple-brown after firing - using centuries old techniques in his wood-fueled kilns. 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.

May 5 - 31, 2006

Already a popular rising star among Japanese ceramic artists, Hiroyuki Wakimoto creates extraordinary forms inspired by ancient Japanese and Chinese pottery.  Making full use of the fine Bizen clay, he keeps pushing the boundaries of innovative forms and firing effects. His new work promises to set a new direction for this extraordinary artist from the historic pottery center of Bizen.

June 2 - 28, 2006

One of the great Chinese painters of his generation, Wang Nong captures beauty with extraordinary passion and sensitivity.  His breathtakingly beautiful landscapes somehow convey a haunting sense of melancholy, giving the feeling of peering into the soul of a poet who has been through his share of life experience.

June 30 - August 2, 2006

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 experimentation and research, he successfully reproduced the Akadobe-yu 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.

 Touching Stone Gallery is honored to host an exhibition of Mr. Nishihata's recent work. In addition to the exhibition, our gallery  will show Mr. Nishihata's work at the 2006 Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, sponsored by the New Mexico Museum of International Folk Art.

August 4 - 30, 2006

Reiko Kakiuchi-Cohen's stunning Echizen pottery can be traced back to her late husband, American ceramist Ben Cohen.  The couple developed a unique style by experimenting with firewood not used by other potters in the area. Today, Ms. Kakiuchi-Cohen is carrying on their legacy. Touching Stone Gallery is proud to host an exhibition of Ms. Kakiuchi-Cohen's latest work. This will be the first solo show of Ms. Kakiuchi-Cohen's work in America since her 2002 exhibition in our gallery. 

Sept. 1 - 27, 2006

A good example of a contemporary artist building on the Tanba tradition, Keiichi Shimizu is noted for his modern interpretations of forms using traditional Tanba materials.  He explores three-dimensional interplay of lines on compound surfaces. The intriguing geometric plays are further enhanced by use of contrasting colors, created by use of  two indigenous Tanba clay.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 30,,2006

Zen practitioner John Guernsey paints with his mind. This singular collection of evocative minimal oil-on-Japanese paper and oil-on-watercolor paper works demand absolute concentration not only from the artist, but also from the viewer.