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Quiet Passion Japanese Ceramic Series 2008 |
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Keiichi Shimizu 清水圭一 |
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Contemporary Tanba Pottery II |
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May 2 - 28, 2008
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Vase Form No. 8 by Keiichi Shimizu 14"w x 4.5"d x 5"h
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Keiichi Shimizu 清水圭一 Nestled in a beautiful valley along the Shitodani River among towering mountains northwest of Kyoto is the picturesque village Tachikui, the historic center of Tanba* pottery. The rich ferrous soil in this area has supported generations of farmers and artisans since the early Kamakura period (1180-1230). The oldest existing nobori-gama (climbing kiln) in Japan is found here. Because of its relative isolation, Tanba is less influenced by outside commercial trends than some other more accessible pottery towns in Japan. Old Tanba pottery had a restrained dignified appearance, exuding quiet confidence that reflected its proud heritage. This rich tradition provides the foundation for Keiichi Shimizu, one of the most innovative contemporary Tanba artists. Keiichi Shimizu, a 4th generation potter, was born in 1962 in Tanba Tachikui. Following the footsteps of his father, a highly respected potter in the Tanba tradition, he went to Kyoto to study pottery at Kyoto City Vocational School. After graduation in 1984, he launched his productive career in his home town as one of the most innovative ceramic artists. Unlike most other traditional Tanba potters who base their works largely on wheel-thrown vase forms, Shimizu develops many original forms from slab-built surfaces. Shimizu is especially interested in three-dimensional interplay of lines and surfaces, using clay of contrasting colors and textures to accentuate such interactions. His works show a strong minimalist influence, with clean lines and taut surfaces. Curves are used sparingly and purposefully, to introduce tension that seems to hold together the stark geometry. The results are deceptively simple forms that belie great conceptual sophistication and meticulous attention to details, a perfect balance between quiet traditional Japanese aesthetic and dynamic modern interpretation. To achieve his artistic vision, Shimizu does not shy away from new techniques. He uses both a gas kiln and a traditional wood-firing kiln. Shimizu uses only clay found in the mountains around Tanba. He refines his clay by removing large stones and gravels. His works show a delicate and refined appearance without appearing cold and sterile. He uses a coarser local clay along with a white Tanba clay as a decorative slip, to add texture and characters to his work. The pieces chosen for the current show epitomize the distinctive style of this exceptional artist. * Tanba, the phonetic translation of two Japanese characters: 丹 'Tan' and 波 'Ba', is often translated incorrectly as Tamba.
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Click on images to view selected pieces To order call 505-988-8072, see Inquiry/Order |
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D Vase Form No. 33 Ceramic w/ fine-line decoration 12.5"h x 10"w x 4.5"d (4 views) Sold
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D Platter Form No. 26 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 17"w x 17"d x 4"h (top & bottom views)
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D Vase Form No. 2 Ceramic vase 14"h x 7"w x 4"d (2 views) Sold
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D Vase Form No. 3 Ceramic vase 14.5"h x 6"w x 3.5"d (2 views)
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D Vase Form No. 8 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 14"w x 4.5"d x 5"h (2 views) Sold
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D Vase Form No. 6 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 13.5"h x 5"w x 3.5"d (2 views)
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D Vase Form No. 7 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 14"h x 5"w x 3.5"d (2 views)
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D Vase Form No. 27 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 13"w x 4"d x 5.5"h (2 views) Sold
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D Vase Form No. 29 Ceramic w/ fine-line decoration 9.5"h x 4.5"w x 4.5"d (2 views) Sold
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D Vase Form No. 30 Ceramic w/ fine-line decoration 8.5"h x 3.5"w x 3"d (2 views) Sold
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D Vase Form No. 31 Ceramic w/ fine-line decoration 8.5"h x 5"w x 2.5"d (2 views) Sold
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D Vase Form No. 32 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 5.5"h x 6"w x 6"d (2 views)
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D Hanging Vase No. 11 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 9.5"h x 5.5"w x 2.5"d (2 views)
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D Hanging Vase No. 28 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 9. 5"h x 7"w x 2.5"d (2 views) Sold
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D Platter Form No. 21 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 16"l x 5.5"w x 2"d (2 views; can be hung as a wall piece) \Sold
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D Platter Form No. 22 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 16"l x 5.5"w x 2"d (2 views; can be hung as a wall piece)
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D Platter Form No. 24 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 15.5"l x 5.5"w x 2"d (2 views; can be hung as a wall piece)
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D Platter Form No. 25 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 16"l x 5.5"w x 2"d (2 views; can be hung as a wall piece)
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Shows and Awards 1986 Hyogo Prefectural Art and Craft Show 1989 Governor’s Award, Hyogo Prefectural Art and Craft Show 1991 Japan Modern Art and Craft Show 1992 Solo show, Gallery Totosho, Osaka Japan Modern Art and Craft Show 1993 Kinki Division Award, Japan Modern Art and Craft Show Japan Craft Show 1994 Recognition Award, Saga Daikakuji Flower & Ceramics Show Asahi Craft Show Yaki-Shime-ten open competition NITTEN Show 1995 Solo show, Gallery Ogawa, Kyoto Kinki Division Award, Japan Modern Art and Craft Show Japan Craft Show NITTEN Show Director’s Award, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce Daikakuji Award, Daikakuji Flower and Ceramics Show 1996 Solo show, Gallery Kobe Daimaru, Kobe NITTEN Show Osaka Mayor’s Award, Osaka Craft Show 1997 Solo show, Gallery Osaka Mitsukoshi, Osaka NITTEN Show Recognition Award, Cha-no-yu Show, Tanabe Museum 1998 Solo show, Gallery Kobe Daimaru, Kobe Recognition Award, Cha-no-yu Show, Tanabe Museum 1999 Solo show, Gallery Kobe Daimaru, Kobe Japan Craft Show 2000 2-person show, Touching Stone Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico 2001 Grand Prize for Hyogo Prefectural Art & Crafts Show 2002 Modern Craft Award, Japan Modern Art & Crafts Show 2004 Solo show, Touching Stone Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico Kobe Club, Kobe 2006 Solo show, Touching Stone Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico 2007 Recognition Award, Kikuchi Biennual Solo show, Gallery Kintetsu, Yottkaichi Solo show, Gallery Daimaru, Tottori 2008 Solo show, Touching Stone Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico |
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