Monthly Archives: May 2016

Berlin ceramic creativities by 3

 

Berlin has a reputation for contrasts, both culturally and politically, and the Cold War wall that divided the city exemplified this. The 1920‘s was an era in Berlin that saw a lot of writers and artists drawn to the city for its freer culture, bohemian activities and it being one of the centres of German Expressionism, which was displayed in painting, cinema, architecture, dance and sculpture.
Three contrasting ceramic artists with a background in Berlin are considered in this article; Elvira Bach and Hinrich Kroeger, who create unique, fanciful, edgy art and ceramics that encapsulates shades of Berlin’s risque past and Andreas Rauch, who has pottery of elegant design and simplicity.

 

Elvira Bach

 

Elvira Bach was a member of the 70‘s ‘Junge Wilde’ art movement, prominent for their expressive paintings in bright, intense colors with quick, broad brushstrokes and their desire to establish an innovative figurative, emotional and subjective form of art. Her postmodernist art features bold, colourful images that leans towards being a diaristic self portraiture. Bach expresses subjective themes in vigorous, even aggressive pictorial images, expressed in a sensually bright palette and clearly defined angular forms. Her self representational pieces also feature re-occurring symbolism such as serpents, strawberries and even pottery. She interweaves a melange of her everyday persona from the artist to the domestic and the erotic into her imagery, blurring art, subject and object. Her confrontational works hark back to the era of Berlin’s provocative cabaret scene where freedom of expression was prolific.

 

 

Elvira-Bach-glass-figurative sculpture

Elvira Bach glass sculpture

 

 

 

portrait_bild-Elvira-bach

Elvira Bach in studio

 

 

Reclining woman sculpture - Berliner---2008 by Elvira Bach

Reclining female sculpture – ‘Berliner’ – Elvira Bach

 

 

 

 

 

Elvira-Bach charger with 5 female heads motif

Elvira Bach charger

 

 

 

Elvira-Bach-wooden female bust with a strawberry and heart headpiece

Elvira Bach wood bust sculpture

 

 

Elvira-Bach- glass head with large strawberry

Elvira Bach – glass female head

 

 

 

Elvira-Bach-female-figural-sculpture - dark skin woman with turquoise face holding a turquoise snake

Female and serpent sculpture from the ‘Other Eve’ series – Elvira Bach

 

 

 

Elvira-Bach-plate with blue flowers and crimson face motif

Elvira charger

 

 

elvira-bach-rosen-rot sculpture in gold with red roses

Elvira Bach

 

 

Elvira-Bach-teapot with nude lady and serpent motif

Elvira Bach teapot

 

 

 

Elvire-Bach

‘Radish Red’ – Elvira Bach

‘The Other Eve’ series

 

 

 

Floral-Dreams-(2014)-Elvira-Bach

‘Floral Dreams’ – Elvira Bach

Giclee on heavy, handmade cotton paper
2014

 

 

 

Berlin artist Elvira Bach_die-andere-eva_2001 Large female figure sculptures

Elvira Bach and her sculptures

 

 

 

Elvira-Bach-face-self portrait vase

Elvira Bach

 

 

Green glass bust -Elvira-Bach

Elvira Bach

 

 

 

Keramik skulptur-Elvira Bach female sculpture bust

Elvira Bach

 

 

Elvira-Bach---Skulptur-'China-Girl'-(2007),-..

‘China Girl’ – Elvira Bach

 

 

kuechen diva_de_luxe---Elvira-Bach

‘Kitchen Diva DeLuxe’ – Elvira Bach

 

 

 

Yellow vase with standing female motif by Elvira Bach

Elvira Bach vase

 

 

 

Teapot-2002 Crawling female with a teapot on her back - Elvira Bach

‘Teapot’ – Elvira Bach

 

 

THREE-VASES---2001 - painting by Elvira Bach

‘Three Vases’ – Elvira Bach

 

 

Black and white horizontally striped vase with yellow face portrait motifs by Elvira Bach

Striped baluster vase – Elvira Bach

 

 

 

 

Andreas Rauch

 

The potters wheel for Andeas is continually a source of stimulus that demands and provides both mental and physical balance. He believes the creative process of clay is a challenge of earthly gravity and the consideration of abstract and linear constructs in space, on both the outside and the inside of a vessel. He began his occupational training to become a ceramist in Berlin in 1985, which was followed by freelance work in artisanal pottery factories and artistic workshops for ceramics and sculpture. In 1991 he commenced working as an art teacher in a youth school project in Berlin which wa followed by a study tour in the USA in 1992.  He opened his own workshop in Berlin in 1993, which included regular artistic collaborations with painters, sculptors and artist projects. From 1997 he became the artistic and technical director of the ceramics workshop of the Professional Association of Visual Artists, Berlin. Since 2007 he has resided in Munich where he continues to produce ceramic art.

 

 

Andreas-Rauch - carved and incised vase with glazed top and terracotta base

Andreas Rauch

 

 

 

andreas-rauch-baluster vessel with abstract strokes decor

Andreas Rauch

 

 

 

andreas-rauch-large jar with horizontally incised stripes

Andreas Rauch striped pottery vessel

 

 

andreas-rauch-orange and dark grey vessel with holes

Andreas Rauch contemporary vessel

 

 

andreas-rauch-contemporary floor bottle vessel

Large ceramic floor vessel – Andreas Rauch

 

 

 

andreas-rauch-textured ceramic planter

Large ceramic planter – Andreas Rauch

 

 

 

andreas-rauch-Large outdoor planter with textured surface

Andreas Rauch planter

 

 

andreas-rauch-26_outdoor-ceramic-exibits

Andreas Rauch

 

 

andreas-rauch-large ceramic shpere sculpture

Ceramic sphere sculpture – Andreas Rauch

 

 

andreas-rauch-rectangle panel sculpture

Andrea Rauch outdoor sculpture

 

 

andreas-rauch-white slip sculpture

Andreas Rauch ceramic sculpture

 

 

 

andreas-rauch_small bowl

Andreas Rauch bowl

 

 

 

andreas-rauch-36_small bowl with glazed inerior and matt exterior

Blue bowl — Andreas Rauch

 

 

 

andreas-rauch-two black bottles with matt finishes

Two black vases by Andreas Rauch

 

 

andreas-rauch-with his pottery

Andreas Rauch

 

 

 

Hinrich Kroeger

Berlin and  NY

Hinrich Kroeger skillfully combines decorative themes of beauty with the eccentric, erotic and enigmatic along with folk art in his ceramic narratives, including playful images of pugs, greyhounds and poodles. His work as a ceramist is a synthesis of visual art and form, where he skillfully and whimsically combines elements of painting with the shapes of pottery.  Hinrich Kröger has been producing and exhibiting his art since 1995, paintings on ceramics, sculptures made from clay, drawings and more, all expressing his vivid imagination infused with originality. Hinrich Kröger opened his showroom on Gipsstrasse, Berlin, back in 1996, long before the area became known as the city’s gallery district

 

Hinrich-kroeger Pugs with umbrellas vase

 Pugs vessel – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

Hinrich-Kroeger tea bowl

Hinrich Kroeger porcelain tea bowl

 

 

tugboat nautical vase - Hinrich Kroeger

Nautical vase – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

Hinrich-Kroeger--Poodle tea set

Poodle tea set – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

Hinrich-Kroeger-porcelain tea bowl female inner motif

Hinrich Kroeger tea bowl

 

 

 

hinrich-kroeger-vase-with-flowers

Bird vase Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

kroeger-ceramic-art-bird and lace plate

Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

Hinrich-Kroeger-love vase

Baluster ‘Love’ vase Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

Saatchi-Art-Artist--Hinrich-Kroeger--Ceramic-Sculpture--Hinrich-Kroeger-

Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

hinrich kroeger porcelain vase with greyhounds motif

‘Sighthounds’ Fayence & Gold ,Vase – Hinrich Kroeger

height 67cm

 

hinrich-kroeger photo portrait

Hinrich Kroeger (left) at his Berlin atelier/shop

 

hinrich kroeger-hare tea cup

Hare tea bowl – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

Hinrich Kroeger-baluster flamingo vase

Flamingo vase – Hinrich Kroeger

Gallerygen

 

 

 

hinrich-kroeger-ceramics

Hinrich Kroeger Atelier/Shop, Berlin

 

 

 

hinrich kroeger-moulin-rouge-tea-service

‘Moulin Rouge Tea Service’ – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

Hinrich-Kroeger-baluster-vase-

Hinrich Kroeger – baluster vase

 

 

 

Saatchi-Art-Artist--Hinrich-Kroeger--Clay-2009-Sculpture--The-Golden-Pug-Vase--

Pair of “Golden Pug” vases – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

Saatchi-Art-Artist--Hinrich-Kroeger--Mixed-Media-2010-Painting--Atelier-Hinrich-Kröger--

‘Teeschale’ – Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

 

www.hinrichkroeger vase with bird motifs and branches with leaves

Hinrich Kroeger bird vase

 

 

kroeger-ceramic-art-sculpture with gold highlights

Hinrich Kroeger ceramic sculpture

 

www.hinrichkroeger----the golden pug tea set

The golden pug tea service

 

 

 

berlin artist Hinrich-Kroeger---golden-pug-cup

Golden Pug tea cup

 

 

Hinrich Kroeger-Berlin ceramics

Hinrich Kroeger

Photograph © Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

heinrich-0

Hinrich Kroeger

 

 

Berlin Art Week 2017 extended hours

 

 

 

 

Workshop Hinrich Kröger
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday from 14 to 18.30 and Saturday from 2 to 4 pm and by appointment!
Galleryhours
Wednesday – Friday 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
S-Bahn Hackescher Markt, subway Weinmeisterstraße, tram M1 M2

 

Hinrich-Kroger--Berlin--ceramics

Hinrich Kroeger studio/shop window

In his gallery studio “Atelier Hinrich Kröger” at Gipsstraße in Mitte, also known as “Volkskunst Berlin”, the artist shows detailed and imaginative faiences and statuettes by the artist.

 

 

More art from Berlin –

 

kuehn_keramik ceramic octopus sculpture

Large octopus – Kuehn Keramik

 

 

 German painter - Ernst-Ludwig-Kirchner--Posttdamer-Platz

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner– ‘Potsdamer Platz’

 

 

 

Jeanne-Mammen-Berlin painting

‘Waiting at the Bridge’ , 1931 by Albert Birkle

 

 

 

Genuine,-directed-by-Robert-Wiene-in-1922.-Set-design-by-German-Expressionist-painter-César-Klein

German Expressionist set by César Klein, for the movie ‘Genuine – A Tale of a Vampire’

1922

 

 

yaam-art-berlin

Berlin street art – YAAM  (Youth African Arts Market)

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT POST  —  Australian clayarts – wildlife fauna, flora, landscapes

 

Spiritual motives with ceramic arts

 

Lakshmi-open-bowl-by-Susan-Folwell-(Santa-Clara)-and-Les-Namingha-(Hopi-Tewa-Zuni)

‘Lakshmi open bowl’ by Susan Folwell (Santa-Clara) and Les Namingha (Hopi Tewa Zuni)

 

Art’s universal language of creativity and spirit.

 

In India, Tibet, Nepal and other Eastern countries they have rituals to enliven the spirit of a work of art after it has been created. To the Hindus this is known as Abhisheka, also called Abhishekam. This is conducted by Brahmins who pour libations on the image of the deity being worshiped, amidst the chanting of mantras. Usually, offerings such as milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sesame oil, rosewater, sandalwood paste and other perfume oils may be used, along with other offerings such as flowers, depending on the type of ceremony being performed. These rituals are routinely performed in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples. This is believed to create a purified ambience and transform the consciousness projected by the piece. Christianity also performs similar ceremonies with candles, incense and prayer to its saints and deities, to purify the atmosphere and objects of worship. Powerful religious imagery and symbols have been utilized over the ages with the intention of uplifting the atmosphere and spirit.
Artists, through their own intensity towards their objects of creation, can also project a degree of consciousness into their work, which can linger for a long time, sometimes indefinitely. This can also be influenced by the subject matter and the degree of personal emotional involvement. Long periods of concentration on a singular object are known to arouse meditative states that can lead to a blissful consciousness and even rapture. Prolonged devotion, an inspired focus on beauty and even fatigue can trigger a transcendence and elevated creativity.

The reverence of Japanese and Korean artists towards established traditions and their recognition of cosmic factors, such as the interplay between Heaven and Earth, are a factor in the spiritual resonance of their art. Awareness of the alignment between form, perspective, colour and textures to the forces of yin and yang sometimes act as a guide to their creative decisions. A meditative detachment from internal emotions can also introduce an alternate perspective where visual stimuli is interpreted differently and art created in this state tends to have a calming effect.
Some works of art can have a deeply spiritual impact on viewers even though the artist was completely oblivious to this quality during the process of creation. The merging of the metaphysical with the physical in art is unfathomable, where a single stroke or action can act as a catalyst.

 

artpark_sculpture_ginger_gilmour_aeriel_3

‘Ariel 3’ – Ginger Gilmore

 

Artists draw on a myriad of influences in their creative expression. Innate inspiration can flow from endless sources :- childhood memories, nature, a random encounter with a person on the street, landscapes, spirituality, animals, music, to name a few. It is also possible to draw on an inner inspiration independent of any external stimuli. Artists, by virtue of their sensitivity and refined awareness can connect with their inner spirit and beauty and channel it into their art. Perception can be altered by awareness which can also influence the intensity of projection. The same can be said for belief and conviction.

Artistic instincts can be stifled and repressed by external factors, much to the detriment of a culture and an individual. Conversely they can be stimulated through interaction with other artists and mentors and also by powerful artistic statements from gifted artists filled with freedom of expression. Spiritual concepts and practices can also act as a stimulus towards creativity. Here, a selection of artists is considered from a spiritual perspective, including the diversity of influences that have provided the impetus to drive their creativity.

 

 

Joey Chiarello

Hawaii

Joey Chiarello (Mojomaker1)  – “growing up, I have always had a great appreciation of the many forms and capabilities of the entire animal kingdom. I am captivated by the stillness of the instinctual nature of each diverse creature. Through the Zen of simple being I find my answers. I can have a goal in mind however I must be open to the clay too guide me along to achieve my most accurate form of personal expression. When I give in, creatures seem to flow from my fingertips.

Currently I am working with narrative character creation and interaction. I love to see and study many old ancient designs and interpretations. The content includes a wide range of Native, Asian, folklore and spirituality as paintings drawings and tattoos. I use these age-old 2-D designs as inspiration to make 3-D interpretations.”

 

Acceptance--ceramic-rabbit-sculpture-by-Joey-Chiarello

‘Acceptance’  – Joey Chiarello

 

 

The-Dawn-of-compassion-ceramic,-underglaze,-glazes,-boars-hair-and-steel---- Joey Chiarello

‘The Dawn of Compassion’  ceramic squirrel — Joey Chiarello

 

 

Eternal Inspiration-tortoise-figurine by Joey Chiarello

‘Eternal Inspiration’  ceramic tortoise sculpture – by Joey Chiarello

 

 

The-cleaner-2013-by-Joeychiarello-art

‘The Cleaner’ – Joey Chiarello

 

 

Joey-Chairello--with large spider

Joey Chiarello with his ‘Simran the Sacred Jumping Spider’ sculpture.

 

 

The-sound-of-compassion-Credit-Joey-Chiarello ceramic dragon

‘The sound of compassion’  ceramic dragon – Joey Chiarello

 

 

Joey Chiarello ceramic sculpture of a female figure

Raku Geisha sculpture  – Joey Chiarello

 

 

 

Live-in-the-Now--ceramic-maneki-neko-sculpture-by-Joey-Chiarello

‘Live in the Now’  lucky cat sculpture figurine – Joey Chiarello

 

 

Good-fortune-Koi 2011 Joey Chiarello

‘Good fortune Koi’ – Joey Chiarello

 

 

Anita Feng

USA

Poet, potter and a 30 year practitioner of Zen in the Korean tradition.

‘Creativity is, yes, the person, but as he/she intersects with all the other variables of present moment experience. Meeting at the cross-hairs of lived experience, the voice that emerges from the individual is the potential for creative force. In both of my mediums I rarely start with a topic or idea. I start with music — in poetry this would be the particular music of a word or phrase as it appears in my mind. In clay, it would be the physical music of clay’.

“I am interested in showing the flow of engagement, which may reflect vulnerability and fear, yet finds stillness within that. The only way the absolute can come through is through the subjective.” –Anita Feng

 

Compassion-in-the-Clouds- Anita Feng

Raku Quan Yin sculpture – ‘Compassion in the Clouds’ – Anita Feng

 

 

 

Abstract-Raku-Ceramics-Buddha-Seated-in-Meditation---Anita-Feng

‘Buddha Seated in Meditation’ —  Anita Feng

 

 

 

Buddha-Kwan-Yin-Goddess-Statue-With-Chains

‘Buddha Kwan Yin Goddess Statue With Chains’ – Anita Feng

 

 

 

Standing-Buddha-Statue-in-Turquoise-Red-Copper-Raku

Anita Feng – ‘Standing Buddha Statue in Turquoise Red Copper Raku’

 

 

 

Black_Woman_Buddha_Feng

‘Black Woman Buddha’ — Anita Feng

Also see the other veniceclayartists post on Anita Feng here

 

Anita’s poetry books are: Internal Strategies and Sadie and Mendel

 

William Morris

USA

Morris gathers much of his inspiration from ancient cultures from around the world – Egyptian, Asian, Native American – all peoples who respected and admired the land they inhabited. Because of this, Morris’s artwork has become something all its own: culturally distinct and yet familiar to all cultures. His pieces embody a spiritual quality that sharply contrasts old beliefs with those of the modern world. “Art broadly speaking is that which invites us into contemplation.  Art arrests attention, it is an important service to the soul.”

 

William-Morris-(American,-Born-1957)-Suspended-Artifact-1991

‘Suspended Artifact’ – William Morris, USA

1991

Wolfs

 

 

Morris-William-green rhyton-bull-sculpture

‘Rhyton Bull’ – William Morris

 

 

Alex Bernstein

USA

 

window-15 Alex-Bernstein Glass ovoid blue sculpture

‘Window 15’ – Alex Bernstein

Artist Alex Bernstein presents a refreshing exploration of visual form and storytelling by combining metaphor with the power and sensuality of sculpted glass. His glass sculptures provide the viewer with intimate narrative landscapes, drawn from light, form and color. Alex explores ideas about the passage of time and the processes of creation and transformation.

 

 

Alex-Bernstein-Copper-Window,-2015-Cast-&-cut-glass,-fused-steel-Habitat-Galleries

‘Copper Window’, Cast & cut glass, fused steel – Alex Bernstein

2015, Habitat Galleries

 

 

Steel-26 Alex-Bernstein glass sculptural art

Alex Bernstein

 

Ancient-Consecration-Kat-McIver seated mystic sculpture - white raku clay

‘Ancient Consecration’ Kat McIver

“I experience my art as a radical response and prayer to life. Each piece develops as a deep, evolutionary process, expressing my personal spiritual journey and the emotional vicissitudes of beingness.”

 

 

Andrew-Octavio-Mata-Ortiz-black-on-black-seed-jar

Seed jar with four polished birds and geometric designs against a buff black ground by Andrew Octavio

 

 

 

Jonathan Middlemiss

Britain

 

Beech-path,-dancing-light painting by Jon Middlemiss

‘Beech path, dancing light’  –  Jonathan Middlemiss, UK

 

“Meditation on the ‘Tree of Life’ of the Western Mystery tradition underpinned my ceramics for most of my career. I spent several years absorbing the influences of other spiritual traditions, particularly Vajrayana Buddhism and shamanism. Painting and drawings in mixed media are a contemplation on these influences ” Jonathan Middlemiss

“I am inspired by experiences of immersion in landscape and the opportunity to go to places where the wild lands speak in a way I understood as a child in the Yorkshire Dales and later on the North Yorkshire Moors. The experience of re-tracing my father’s droving routes to market, listening to the sounds of the wooded ghylls and waterfalls or walking the upland peat bogs and watching the wildlife of these now precious habitats… all become starting points for new paintings. Here I sense the portals to a greater spiritual reality that we have become culturally alienated from and dismiss as irrational, and here are opportunities to remember to appreciate our experience of the world as magical.”

 

 

painting titled Pools-of-light by Jon Middlemiss

‘Pools of light’ – Jon Middlemiss

 

 

ceramic cup - Rippled-form-blue-and-gold-Jon Middlemiss

 ‘Rippled form blue and gold’ –    Jon Middlemiss

 

 

Anne Shulenberger

 

“Being creative has always been very important to me. I believe that being creative is what connects each of us with the highest power in the universe (God/Goddess/All That Is). When immersed in creating artwork I often feel a deep connection with all sentient beings and a strong conviction that what I am making is of utmost importance to the world. This feeling of being part of something much bigger than my own individual self is what I am always striving for. It gives my creative struggle and my work meaning and makes my life worth living. I hope to communicate this powerful feeling of connection to all who come into contact with what I have created.”

 

wood-fired-Kwan-Yin-sculptures---Anne-Shulenberger wall panel of Kwan Yin riding a dragon

Kwan Yin riding a dragon wall panel – Anne Shulenberger

 

 

 

Anne-Shulenberger slab built snake goddess vase

Snake Goddess raku vase- Anne Shulenberger

 

 

 

Anne-Shulenberger---Raku-fired-venus--

‘Venus’ raku ceramic panel – Anne Shulenberger

 

 

Indian deity riding a moose - Durga-In-Montana-Tricia-Cline ceramic sculpture

‘Durga In Montana’ – Tricia Cline

 

 

 

Paige Bradley 

California

 

Emerging- Sculpture of the cobra pose - Paige Bradley

Metamorphosis series – ‘Emerging’ – Paige Bradley

‘I want to advocate healing and empowerment for people around the world. I want my art to be a forceful voice to help those who suffer from illness, repression, or exploitation. My sculptures express a depth and variety of the physical, the emotional, and the spiritual that we search for as a human race. Simultaneously, I want to provoke us to feel painful truths we keep bottled up inside. I want us to remember we are all the same. And, it is this understanding that can heal us all.’

 

 

Expansion - seated female in full lotus with hand mudras sculpture by Paige Bradley

‘Expansion’ – Paige Bradley

‘From the moment we are born, the world tends to have a container already built for us to fit inside: A social security number, a gender, a race, a profession or an I.Q. I ponder if we are more defined by the container we are in, rather than what we are inside. Would we recognize ourselves if we could expand beyond our bodies? Would we still be able to exist if we were authentically ‘un-contained’?

 

 

Paige_Bradley_Breath_Bronze_Scupture

‘Breath’ – Paige Bradley

 

 

release-Paige Bradley female sculpture in bronze

‘Release’ – Paige Bradley

 

 

Illumination-Paige Bradley sculpture of a kneeling man with his arms outstretched

‘Illumination’ – Paige Bradley

 

Ilona Jo 

 France

 

Ceramic-raku-horse by Ilona Jo

Raku Horse – Ilona Jo, Bordeaux

 

 

Jo-Ilona---Zen-Monk

Zen, Dew, Earth – Ilona Jo

 

 

Happy-Easter

‘Happy Easter’ – Ilona Jo

 

 

Trio Meditation-monks Ilona-Jo

‘Meditation Trio’ – Ilona Jo

“All are naked raku. I took a lot of pleasure to shape…. they are serene, gentle, cheerful … except the last which resists a bit”

 

 

 

George Lafayette

USA

“I spent a few years in animation and maquette-making, and then became a real estate agent. After further exploration of my artistic desires, I realized that my passion was sculpture.

Inspirations for my sculptures come from my inner feelings about life, rebirth, and spiritual mysticism. They are the reflections and interpretation of my life experiences.”

 

George-Lafayette-Dream-time female bust

George Lafayette – ‘Dream time’

 

 

 

George-Lafayette-sculpture of mytsical female

George Lafayette sculpture

 

 

 

DREAM-CATCHER-ON-A-BOAT---The-Women

‘Dream Catcher on a boat’ – George Lafayette

 

Hanoi-Fine-Arts-Museum Room-for-Meditation reief art

‘Room for Meditation’ – wall art – artist?

Hanoi Fine Arts Museum

 

Hoshino-Tomoyuki ceramic vessel

Hoshino Tomoyuki

When I work on the wheel I find myself harmonizing with the clay, and it’s then I can feel a sense as if my own genes somehow become synchronized with the clay drawing itself out in spirals; I find it a fascinating process.

 

 

Kaku Hayashi

Japan

 

Kaku-Hayashi,-'Zero-Trajectory,'-2002,-stoneware--

‘Zero Trajectory’ – Kaku Hayashi

 

 

 

Kaku-Hayashi Eastern-themes-–-ZERO-and-a-Sacred-waterfall - ceramic sculpture

‘Zero Trajectory’ – Kaku Hayashi

 

Hayashi’s Zero Trajectory series was inspired by an  encounter with a calligraphy artist. Her creations begin with the idea of ZERO or ‘nothingness’ found in ZEN Buddhism. This Eastern philosophical concept has provided wide-ranging inspiration for Hayashi’s ceramic work. She exploits the malleability of clay to express her ideas through a dynamic series of folds, combined with undulations derived from calligraphy brushwork.

 

 

Keku-Hayasi--Robert-Yellin-Yakimono-Gallery

Kaku Hayashi – Kegon

 

The exhibit, ‘Kegon’, is inspired by the beautiful sacred waterfall in Tochigi prefecture, Kegon no Taki. This masterful work brilliantly evokes in pottery the dramatic cascade of water and its substance as droplets.The Kegon Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Japan and Hayashi lives close to this location. She draws upon the majestic beauty and power of the falls and incorporates those elements-emotions into her works.( see below)

 

 

Kegon-Falls

Kegon Falls, Japan

 

 

Fujino Sachiko

Japan

“I create my pieces through a dialogue with the soft clay . Clay is a moist, flexible medium, whose plasticity suggests new ceramic forms. Conscious of  both the suppleness and the fragility of the clay, I attempt to create forms which possess an inner power of conviction. I would like to approach the clay in such a way that my pieces are expressions of profound thoughts and feelings”.  She enhances the depth of her surfaces by using an airbrush device that sprays slip and occasionally colored glazes.

 

 

Interconnection-’15-4;-Flower-inspired-sculpture-with-curling-petal-like-folds-and-spray-glazed-in-matte-black-and-gray--

Collapse/Rebirth – Fujino Sachiko

Interconnection ’15-3

Joan B Mirviss

 

Interconnection-’15-3;-standing-geometric-connected-sculpture-and-spray-glazed-in-matte-blackish-brown by Fujino Sachiko

‘Rensetsu’ – Fujino Sachiko

Stoneware with matte glaze

 

 

BULBOUS-STONEWARE-PIECE,-“BUD-CASING-II”-BY-FUJINO-SACHIKO

Stoneware ‘Bud Casing II’
Fujino Sachiko 2011

 Mary Ann and Stanley Snider Collection
Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

 

 

 

Jinnai Sakata

Japan

Hajomon or the Wave Motif itself expresses the five elements of the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang-wood, fire, earth, metal and water-of which all things, living and nonliving, in heaven and on earth are composed. Since ancient times the Chinese have viewed the world through the prism of the “yin and yang five elements”.

 

 

Jinnai-Sakata--

Jinnai Sakata

 

 

JINNAI-SAKATAjomon-Black-pottery-kiln-strange-wavy-statement-gilt-press-Daihachi

‘Jormon memory’ – Jinnai Sakata

Vessel of Black exterior with gilt pressed inside (Daihachi)

“What I am attempting is not to imitate the warmth and forcefulness found in Jomon vessels, nor to merely reproduce their shapes. But rather I wish to reconstruct in the present, through the means of my awareness, the spirituality imbued in Jomon pieces – each one a prayer of divine awe and reverence.”

 

 

 

Black-pottery-kiln-strange-objects-Jinnai-Sakata

‘Zanskar of Convergence’ – Jinnai Sakata

1994

 

 

Sakata-Jinnai.--triangular dish with incised wavy patterns

‘Dish with incised waves’ – Jinnai Sakata

 

 

 

Black-pottery-kiln-strange-wavy-Bunhentsubo-1992

‘Bunhentsubo’ – Jinnai Sakata ikebana

 

 

 

Sakata-Jinnai.----- two double gourd shaped dishes in brown and gold

Jinnai Sakata

 

 

Jinnai Sakata - Very-large-deep-glass-dish-foil-paper-'Man-open-Sakurai'-----95cm diameter

Jinnai Sakata – Very large deep glass dish foil paper-‘Man open Sakurai’ series

‘Inhaling deeply, I feel myself become like a cherry tree drawing deep energy from the Earth. When I exhale, I expand ever outward, radiating from the top of my head, or crown chakra, all the way to the Polaris or Pole Star. If we say that each individual is a micro cosmos then isn’t the top of his head his own Pole Star. Thus the Earth is connected to the Pole Star by the vertical flow of energy, which simultaneously flows downward, piercing the Earth’s mantle to its very core. Heaven, Earth and Man all connected. This connecting energy is what I mean by the Eye of Polaris.’  – Jinnai Sakata (this is Iron Shirt Kung Fu philosophy)

 

 

Sakata-Jinnai.-Chain-Of-Life bonsai sculpture

‘Chain Of Life’ bonsai sculpture – Sakata Jinnai

 

 

 

Sakata-Jinnai for blue wavy ceramic bowls

Blue dishes – Jinnai Sakata

 

 

Sakata-Jinnai-------

Jinnai Sakata

Large bowl with a rough textured facade that contrasts with the glittering gold kinpaku (gold foil) inside. width 45cm

Inscribed on the bottom is the statement – “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

 

Ellen Kong

 

Madames+Day+Off-Ellen-Kong-ceramic art

‘Madams Day Off ‘ – Ellen Kong

 

Sweet-Fragrance-Of-Summer-Eve-by-Ellen-Kong--Raku-fired ceramic sculpture

‘Sweet Fragrance Of Summer Eve’ by Ellen Kong

 

“Like the horticulturist, I must devote time to nurture each individual work. Creating with clay is forever new to me. It is challenging, and intriguing. I like to construct cascading ceramic series, in which one work flows into the next. This sculptural stream of consciousness intrigues me as a vehicle to capture ideas and forms. The incessant pursuit of the ever-expanding boundaries of technique and images nourishes me. In my work, wind-borne seeds sown long ago germinate and bloom unexpectedly, defying time and space. In a unique fashion, they emerge and transform into design elements that reflect my own passage”. Ellen Kong

 

 

Vessel,-Pattern-from-Inner-Image,-,-1985-MorihiroWada

‘Pattern from Inner Image’ – Morihiro Wada

1985

 

WILHELM-KÅGE-FarstaVaseGustavsberg

Mid Century Farsta Vase – Wilhelm Cage

Gustavsberg

 

Paul Katrich

 

‘The Sphinx is a symbol shrouded in myth and antiquity; revered in many cultures.’

“I adopted this symbol as a signature to demonstrate respect for the artists of the ancient East, whose pottery is a constant source of wonder. For me, the Sphinx is a guardian of arcane knowledge and many mysteries. By tradition, the vessel held in her paws denotes life and special insight. She has faithfully served Katrich Studios, as a companion and good-luck token.”

 

 

March-Sunrise-lustra glaze vessel by Paul Katrich

‘Autumn Sunrise’Paul Katrich

 

 

Paul Katrich - Scarlet,-violet,-and-magenta-peer-through-a---combustive-atmosphere-of-eternal-iridescent-night-Dying-Sun

‘Dying Sun’  – Paul Katrich

Scarlet, violet, and magenta peer through a – combustive atmosphere of eternal iridescent night

 

 

 

Stars-and-Clouds-Paul-Katrich

‘Stars and Clouds’

Lustre glaze vessel – Paul Katrich

 

 

Virgil Ortiz

 

His clay figures and vessels tell a dramatic story that flows seamlessly from past to future.  Resilience, perseverance, honor and history are the themes which he continues to explore.  Ortiz has expanded from simply traditional clay, materials and firing to contemporary clay to tell his story on a larger and more complex scale than ever before. – King Gallery, Scottsdale

 

 

Virgil_Ortiz_Made_In_Native_America®_Contact_ModernlyAncestralTranslator-Time-Shift

‘Translator Time Shift’ Virgil Ortiz

Modernly Ancestral Series

‘The masks and vessels.  The clay. The past. The future.  All are portents to the destruction and victories to come…’

 

Virgil_Ortiz_Helix

‘Helix’ – Virgil Ortiz

 

Josh Herman

 

‘My ceramics studies in the U.S. led me to Midcentury Modernism, while my studies in Japan influenced my affinity for Eastern principles that shows up in my work today. I am deeply guided by Hakomi, which is an experiential, mindfulness-based therapy rooted in Taoism. Hakomi is a discipline of paying attention to what you’re experiencing in any given moment, and this allows me to stay focused on the clay as the form reveals itself.

I am fascinated by the inner and outer landscapes of the creative process. When I start a piece I don’t know where it’s going, I don’t have a preconceived shape or idea in mind. I just allow my senses to engage and feel my way to the final result. The clay has a language, a way of communicating its limitations and strengths, and I tap into that dialectic to bring the form to life.’

 

Pod---Turquoise-Volcanic-Glaze ceramic vessel by Josh Herman

‘Pod’ – turquoise volcanic glaze

 

 

Tall-Bottles-_-Sculptural-Bottle---Blue-Lichen

‘Blue Lichen’ Tall Bottle- Josh Herman

 

 

Round-Chalice---Chartreuse-Volcanic-Glaze

‘Round Chalice—Chartreuse’ by Josh Herman

 

 

 

Avital Sheffer 

Australia

“I search for clues in the personal and intimate relics that history left behind, in marks of individuality within the collective, in the tension they hold: quintessential and idiosyncratic forms, manuscripts and letters, the Divine that can be hand held.  Working in clay, with its primacy, transformations and its place as a provider of human needs from food receptacles to effigies and Gods, keeps one in a close embrace with this kind of spirituality.”

“I perceive material and spirit as inseparable. Humanity of all persuasions, even the most agnostic, harbours a deep need for ritual and custom, for the embodiment of the spiritual… in objects of meaning and beauty; I am interested in the manifestations of that need and in the conflicts it engenders…my inquiry naturally takes me on the path of the language I love and the stories of my ancestry, yet I am acutely aware of it being the story of humanity. I am inspired by the artisan who sits on the shoulders of humble teachers; who draws on ancient knowledge and traditions; who finds fulfilment in acquiring and refining skills; who takes part in creating complex systems of beauty that resonate with the depth of the human spirit; who touches a place that is beyond time.”

 

 

Lekitos-V---Avital-Sheffer

‘Lekitos V’ — Avital Sheffer

2015

 

 

Kesher-VI---2015-Avital-Sheffer ceramic vessel

‘Kesher VI’  by Avital Sheffer

2015

 

 

Chalcos-VI---Avital-Sheffer

‘Chalcos VI’  by Avital Sheffer

photo – David Young

 

 

Catherine White

Because pottery itself abstractly expresses—through clay, glaze and shape—nature’s landscape, it can be as spirited as a spring day or as barren as a raw and sullen winter afternoon, barely touched with color. I am aiming for distillations from nature, historically alive and poetically inspired.

 

 

Catherine-White-winter-2015

Catherine White – Winter 2015

 

 

To the attentive eye,

each moment of the year

has its own beauty,

and in the same field,

it beholds,

every hour,

a picture which was never seen before,

and which shall never be seen again.

— Ralph Waldon Emerson ( via catherinewhite.com)

 

 

Catherine-White-winter-14

Catherine White ikebana

 

“I try to apply colors like words that shape poems, like notes that shape music.”
–Joan Miro

 

 

winter-2015-Catherine-White-ceramic dish with mandarine

Catherine White ceramics

 

Nothing is more abstract than reality. – Giorgio Morandi

 

 

 

Thijs Nel

 

 

Thijs Nel, South Africa

 

Thijs-Nel-folded ceramic-vessel

Folded ceramic sculpture vessel  —  Thijs Nel

 

 

Garden-Sculptures-2015--Michelle-Thijs-Nel

Thijs Nel  garden sculpture

 

 

Thijs-NEL---Mystic-spiral-painting

‘Mystical Spiral’  —  Thijs Nel

“The circles, squares and spirals always find their way into my work as symbols that suggest wholeness, movement and change. The spiral often becomes a tree of life… a metaphor for the Omnipresence of creation in action.
I have been fascinated by the relationship between the physical material and the metaphysical spiritual conditions of our existence and it became a lifelong quest to find a balance for myself between these phenomena, the Omnipresence of spirit of place… the x- quality that moves us in wonderment about life and the core of our existence.
For as long as I can remember, all forms of creativity and especially painting, sculpting, ceramics and writing… have been for me a means of coming to terms with my immediate environment. I have to find a balance between nature and that which is manmade, including the work of art itself. Something universal and satisfying — something beautiful, should enter into this balance and I dare say that all of these qualities create a dynamic process which should hopefully keep me occupied for the rest of my life.”

 

see more Thijs Nel here

 

 

NEXT POST  —  Berlin ceramic creativities by 3

 

Sevres 5th Biennial of Contemporary Ceramics

 

Since its conception, Sevres has supported and encouraged the pursuit of innovation and creativity in the ceramic arts. From the 13th to 29th of May in 2016  the 5th Biennial for Contemporary Ceramics is featuring over 37 artists..

www.sel-sevres.org

47 Grand Rue, Sevres, France

 

Sevres-Biennial

 

 

 

Thierry-Perraud Sevres 5th Biennial Contemporary ceramics

Thierry Perraud

 

 

 

porcelaines-valerie-hermans Sevres 5th Biennial Contemporary ceramics

Valerie Hermans

 

 

 

Philippe-Buraud---Terres-sigillées---Sevres 5th Biennial Contemporary ceramics

Philippe Buraud—Terres sigillées

 

 

 

Michèle-Levy-Letessier ceramique vase

Michèle Levy Letessie

 

 

 

José-Mariscal crystalline glaze globular vessel

José Mariscal

 

 

 

La-porte-du-soleil_Philippe Buraud

Philippe Buraud

 

 

 

Marie-Mora abstract footed ceramic vessel

Marie Mora

 

 

Patrick-Buté crystalline glaze ovoid vase

Patrick Buté

 

 

Jean-Paul-Azaïs ceramic vessel

Jean Paul Azaïs

 

 

 

Maria-Koortenar slab built cylinder shaped vessel

Maria Koortenar

 

 

Japanese-pottery---Bizen-tokkuri-bottle-Shibuta-Toshiaki

Bizen tokkuri bottle-Shibuta Toshi

 

 

Galerie-Animaux-Lise-Zambelli a line of pemguins

Penguin conga  – Lise Zambelli

 

 

Gaëlle-Jamet - abstract ceramic rectangular sculpture

Gaëlle Jamet

 

 

Marie Laure Griffe - dossier_de_presse_art-ceram 2016

Marie Laure Griffe

 

 

 

Delphine-Dardare-céramique---cup-vessel

Delphine Dardare

 

 

Delphine-Dardare-céramique-contemporary-bowl

Delphine Dardare

 

 

 

Corinne-Joachim abstract contemporary sculpture

Corinne Joachim

 

 

Bizen-Kaki - contemporary ribbed vessel - Shibuta Toshiaki

Shibuta Toshiaki

 

 

Andoche-Praudel abstract porcelain sculpture

Andoche Praudel

 

 

 

Christine-Ladeveze--french ceramique sculpture

Christine Ladeveze

 

 

Sevres – City of Ceramics 

 

In 1738, the Manufacture de Vincennes was founded with the support of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour, to offer competition with the manufactories at Chantilly and Meissen. In 1756, through the influence and patronage of Madame de Pompadour, it moved to Serves where it became the “Royal Porcelain Manufactory.” The factory was under the control of the royal administration and focused on manufacturing luxury porcelain mainly for the royal family, the court, and the aristocracy. Madame de Pompadour encouraged artists of the time, including Francois Boucher and the French Neoclassical sculptor Augustin Pajou to become involved with the artistic direction of the business. In 1755 she commissioned the sculptor Maurice Falconet to do a portrait of her. (see below)

 

madame-de-Pompadour-by-goddess-Friendship-~-1755,-according-to-Etienne-Maurice-Falconet.-Biscuit-bone-china

Madame de Pompadour – Etienne Maurice Falconet – 1755

 

Due to the upheavals of the French Revolution, its financial situation at the beginning of the nineteenth century was dire. As it had lost its status as a royal enterprise, it had also lost most of its clientele, and its funding reflected the perilous state of the French economy. Fortunately it gradually recovered ubder the guidance of Alexandre Brogniart and went on to become a National venture. Towards the end of the nineteenth century historicism lost its grip at Sèvres, and forms inspired by nature and often characterized by asymmetrical styles entered the creative narrative through the upheavals of Art Nouveau.
The Serves Manufactroy produced some of the most exquisitely designed and decorated porcelain ever made including dinner services, ornamental figurines and extravagantly decorated vases embellished with ornate relief designs. A long list of influential ceramicists worked with Serves over the decades to continue its reputation for excellence and ensure its longevity. Louis-Simon Boizot was director between 1774 and 1800; Alexandre Brogniart director between 1800 to 1847; Henri Victor Regnault director beginning in 1854 and Théodore Deck was the director of the manufactory from 1887. Jean Mayodon, Ettore Sottsass, Ernest Chaplet, Clement Massier, Viola Frey, Émile Decoeur and Henri Rapin are also some of the reputable ceramics that have been involved with Serves.
In 2012 it shifted from being a National enterprise to becoming a public organisation, its mission remaining in accordance with its origins of 1740, to produce ceramic works of art using artisanal techniques, including both reproductions of old models and contemporary creations. In addition it produces goods for state needs and commercial sale and being charged with promoting technological and artistic research in ceramics incorporating a wide embrace of diverse decorative styles. Below is a collection exemplifying the breadth and depth of Sevres innovation over many decades.

 

19th-C-Sevres-candle-holders in turquoise blue with twin figures

Sevres candle holders

Kaminski

 

 

Comedia-dell'Arte-in-the-black-tones-of-subtle-pink-background-SÈVRES-d'après-JEAN-DEBARRE-30cm

Comedia dell’Arte – Jean Debarre

 

 

Danseuse-à-l'écharpe-(V&A-Museum)-1898-Agathon-Leonard-Sevres

Danseuse à l’écharpe – Agathon Leonard, Sevres

(V&A Museum) 1898

 

 

JORDI-GUARDIOLA-for-MANUFACTURE-NATIONAL-SÈVRES

Jordi Guardiola

 

 

 

Manufacture-nationale-de-Sèvres,-R. Sivault et René Crevel

R.Sivault and René Crevel

Height  50cm – 1934

 

 

 

Andre-Plantard-for-Sevres Earthenware-faience-vase-with-glossy-glaze-in-shades-of-blue-and-white,-1931

Geometric decorated earthenware vase  —  Andre Plantard for Sevres

 

 

 

Egg-and-Snake-Teapot,-French,-Sèvres-Factory,-(1833)

Snake and Egg teapot – Sevres

1833

 

 

 

Jean-Mayodon-charger with man wrestling a python

Jean Mayodon

 

 

 

 

Sevres-Art-Deco-baluster vase with white nude women on a blue and gold background

Art Deco vase – Sevres

 

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONALE-DE-SEVRES-and-MAYODON-JEAN-(1893-1967)vase-baluster-side-handles-polychrome-glazed-porcelain-decorated-with-a-round-of-dancers-nuanced-beige-background-accented-with-gold

Jean Mayodon

 

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONALE-DE-SEVRES-Décor-de-MARCEL-PRUNIER

Marcel Prunier figurine for Sevres

 

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONALE-DE-SEVRES-décor-de-PIERRE-LARDIN---1924

Pierre Lardin for Manufacture Nationale de Sevres

1924

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONALE-DE-SEVRES-et-ANDRE-PLANTARD

Andre Plantard vase for Sevres

 

 

cylindrical-vase-with-high-collar-mounted-glazed-porcelain-lamp-depicting-a-boat-scene-in-full-color by Cheriane

Cylindrical vase island scene – Cheriane

 

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONALE-DE-SÈVRES-d'après-Paul-CHARLEMAGNE

Paul Charmagne Jazz Age? porcelain vase – Sevres

Height 43 cm

 

 

19th-century-art-nouveau-vase by Sevres

Ornate covered Art Nouveau urn – Sevres

19th Century

 

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONALE-DE-SEVRES-décor-de-JOSEP-JORDI-GUARDIOLA-Vase-1938

Joseph Jordi Guardiola vase – Sevres

 

 

MANUFACTURE-NATIONAL-SÈVRES-decor-Marcel-PRUNIER-Important-vase-glazed-porcelain-decorated-in-polychrome-aquatic-motifs

Aquatic theme vase – Marcel Prunier for Sevres

 

 

MANUFACTURE-OF-NATIONAL-SÈVRES,-D'After-ORLANDINI-1953

Orlandi vase – Sevres

1953

 

 

Mintons-'sevres'-lidded vases - turquoise with golden handles

Pair of Minton ‘Sevres’ vases

 

 

MP-Sevres-Bisque-Ware-and-Porcelain-Figural-Comport-Stands-19th-CenturyStephensAntiques

MP Sevres Bisque Ware and Porcelain Figural Comport Stands

19th Century

StephensAntiques

 

 

Manufacture-Nationale-de-Sèvres-et-Paul-CHARLEMAGNE

Satyr and Pan vase – Paul Charmagne

 

 

 

sotheby-s--pair-of-gilt-bronze-mounted-Sèvres-soft-paste-porcelain-`Vases-Medici',

`Vases Medici’ – pair of gilt bronze mounted Sèvres soft paste porcelain vases

Southbys

 

Rare-and-Important-Art-Deco-Vase-with-Gold-Leaf-Design-depicting-phoenix-by-the-French-Ceramicist-Pinon-Heuze-produced-by-Sevres.-Signed-Pinon-Heuze

Pinon Heuze design Art Deco gold leaf lidded vase

 

 

SÈVRES-and-ANDRÉE---MARCELLE---GENEVIÈVE-KIEFER-Laces-Vase

Andre Marcel and Genevieve Kiefer laces vase

 

 

Sevres-and-Ruhlmann-Rare-Bronze-and-Porcelain-Vase,-circa-1931 GALERIE-PLAISANCE

Jacques Émile Ruhlmann designed porcelain Art Deco vase, Sevres

circa 1931

Galerie Plaisance

 

 

SEVRES-decor-ANDRÉ-PLANTARD-Vase-height-41cm

Andre Plantard porcelain vase

 

 

 

SÈVRES-décor-de-PIERRE-AUGUSTE-GAUCHER-1966----37cm

Mid Century Pierre Auguste Gaucher/Sevres vase

Height 37cm – 1966

 

 

 

SEVRES-décor-de-PIERRE---AUGUSTE-GAUCHER-Vase-Mayodon-31--1960

‘Mayodon 31’ – by Pierre Auguste Gaucher

1960

 

 

Sèvres-Faience-Bud Vase

Sèvres-Faience-Bud Vase

 

 

SÈVRES-NATIONAL-MANUFACTURE-decor-ADRIEN-LEDUC-glazed-ceramic-vase-depicting-a-stylized-garden

Stylized garden motif vase – Adrien Leduc

Height 50cm

 

 

Sèvres-porcelain,-Art-Deco-figural-night-light,-circa-1930,-woman-wearing-an-ermine-trimmed-coat.-Signed-and-stamped-Sèvres.-H--10-2.3-in

Sèvres porcelain, Art Deco figural night light woman wearing an ermine trimmed coat

H -10 2.3 inches – circa 1930

 

 

 

Sevres-Porcelain-Art-Deco-Vase globular vessel

Globular Art Deco vase – Sevres

 

 

 

Peacock-motif-vase-with elephant-handles - Sevres-museum

Baluster vase with peacock motif – Sevres Museum

 

 

 

biscuit-finish-pitcher-Sevres

Elegant pitcher -Sevres

 

 

 

Vase-Aubert'-Black-nuanced-green-glazed-ceramic-vessels-decorated

Green Aubert vase with sailing ship motifs

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT POST  —  Spiritual motives with ceramic arts

 

Japanese Geisha’s tradition in art

 

Japanese-Geishas-art

         ‘Night Rain’ by Kitagawa Utamaro

c.1797

 

(Sarusawa-Pond-in-Nara),-by-Koitsu,-Tsuchiya,-1930's geisha at the link in the snow

‘Sarusawa Pond in Nara’ by Koitsu Tsuchiya

1930’s

 

The distinctive facial decoration and hairstyles, refined kimonos made of silks with exquisite colorful designs and the graceful demeanor of the Geisha have presented an entrancing subject for Japanese artists over the centuries.
The tradition of the geisha is still deeply entrenched in Japanese culture. The selection process starts at a young age of around 15 and training is fairly rigorous over several years. Known as a Maiko in the beginning, the young women observe and train after being accepted into an Okiya ( Geisha house) – where they live and are taught the art of Geisha by an Okasan (Japanese for mother).
They are taught the subtleties of Japanese culture including tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy, poetry and performing Japanese traditional music and dance. When they turn 20 and are acknowledged to be skillful in art and service, they become Geiko, a full-fledged Geisha. As a hostess they are expected to carry themselves with grace and poise and they only appear in public wearing their traditional make up and elaborate kiminos. During their service as a geisha they have to renounce most modern trappings, live together with other Geishas and mentor a Maiko.
The are also trained in the art of conversation and service for the entertainment of their male customers. The most literal translation of geisha into English would be “performing artist” or “artisan.” The elegant, high-culture world that geisha are a part of is called karyūkai – “the flower and willow world” which is a metaphor for “beauty and strength” Gentle movement, avoiding direct eye contact by looking downwards and walking slowly, were encouraged to support yin/feminine traits. Their adherence to subservience and mystery was regarded by the geisha to be a statement of passive yin femininity, which to them was a display of empowerment, as their centuries old tradition believed that their well being, strength and balance depended on it.

 

Robj-geisha-figurine

Art Deco Japonaise Veilleuse Brule perfume incense burner by Robj, Paris

 

Historically, Japanese feminists have seen geisha as exploited women but some modern geisha see themselves as liberated feminists.” We find our own way, without doing family responsibilities. Isn’t that what feminists are?” It is known for geisha girls to sometimes marry their clients but their marriage necessitates retirement, as there are never married geisha.
The submissive appearance of the geisha doesn’t betray the full picture as some of the strongest and most financially successful women in Japan have come from a geisha background, and traditionally this has also been so. Mineko Iwasaki, in a Boston Phoenix interview, claimed “The geisha system was founded, actually, to promote the independence and economic self-sufficiency of women. And that was its stated purpose, and it actually accomplished this quite admirably, in Japanese society where there were very few routes for women to achieve that sort of independence.”
The elevated status, mystique and refinement of the Japanese geisha all served to reinforce her unique yin/feminine qualities and contribute to the preservation of the traditional Japanese aesthetic. The are rightly taught to believe they are a living work of art and an affirmation of Japanese ‘iki’ (artistic chic)

 

 

Circa-1890-antique-japanese-woodblock-print-BIJINGA.-WOMAN-playing-with-a-CAT

‘Woman playing with a Cat’ – Antique Japanese woodblock print by Utamaro Bijinga.

Circa 1890

 

Geisha-girls-playing-traditional-music

Geisha girls performing music

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

 

 

 

Geisha-with-implements-used-in-the-Tea-Ceremony

A Geisha with tea ceremony implements

 

 

Hanaogi-of-the-Ogiya.-Ukiyo-e-woodblock-print,-about-1830’s,-Japan,-by-artist-Keisai-Eisen.

‘Hanaogi of the Ogiya’  – Ukiyo e woodblock print by Keisai Eisen

about 1830’s, Japan

 

 

 

'Fan-Dancer'-designed-by-Alexander-A-Danel for Austin Sculptures

Geisha ‘Fan Dancer’ – Alexander A. Danel design for Austin Sculptures

 

 

 

Geisha-Craig-Schaffer abstract cubist sculpture

‘Geisha’ –  Craig Schaffer, USA

 

 

 

SATSUMA-MINI-GEISHA-VASE with twin handles

Small Satsuma Geisha and Maiko vase

 

 

 

geisha-tokyo photo Robbie Hood

Spirit of Geisha – 1995

I took this photo with a Canon F1 film camera. The Japanese girl was an amatuer model, but a very instinctive and natural muse.

 

 

 

Geisha-playing-the-Koto-or-Japanese-harp-by-Agence-Mondial,-1932.

Geisha playing the Koto by Agence Mondial

1932

 

 

SATSUMA-vase-KYOTO-WARE-hand-painted-meiji-1900-GEISHA-BIJIN-blue-SIGNED-15.75

Hand-painted Satsuma vase, Kyoto ware

Meiji 1900

 

 

Woman-with-Umbrella-in-Snow-Artist-Unknown,-Japanese-Attributed-to-Kitagawa-Utamaro-I,-Japanese,-–1806-Japanese

‘Woman with Umbrella in Snow’ – Attributed to Kitagawa Utamaro I

Japan, 1806

 

 

 

Fin DAC street art on a wall in London

Geisha street art in London by Fin DAC

 

 

Vintage photo of a Geisha preparing hair

Vintage image of Geisha in preparation

 

 

A-Beauty-in-Snow---by-Koryusai---1770's japanese painting

‘A Beauty in Snow’ — by Koryusai

1770’s

 

 

 

Rōka-no-geigi-(Entertainer-standing-on-a-veranda)---Eizan-Kikukawa-(1787-1867)

‘Rōka no geigi (Entertainer standing on a veranda) ‘- Eizan Kikukawa (1787-1867)

 

 

 

 

One-of-a-Pair-of-Sliding-Doors with geisha dancing painting

Dancing geisha decoration on door

 

 

 

 

Flowers-of-Edo-Young-Woman's-Narrative-Chanting-to-the-Shamisen

‘Flowers of Edo’ – Young Woman’s Narrative Chanting to the Shamisen by Kitagawa Utamaro

c. 1800

 

 

Antique-Japanese-Satsuma-vase;-of-bulbous-form-with-a-wide-flared-squared-mouth;-figural-panels--cobalt-blue-ground

Antique Japanese Satsuma vase

 

 

snowy-day-by-Eizan - Japanese painting

‘Snowy day’ by Eizan

 

 

 

ANTIQUE-SATSUMA-FIGURE-Deity

Japanese Satsuma female figurine

 

 

100-year-old-hand-colored-photo-okinawa-soba

Over a century old hand coloured geisha photo

 

 

Asian-Japanese-(19th-Cent)-Satsuma-porcelain-decorated-pitcher-with-scrolll-handle-and-scenes-of-2-women-and-floral-design

 Japanese  Satsuma porcelain decorated pitcher with scroll handle and scenes of 2 women and floral design

19th century

 

Nakai-Omiya-Hanshiro-Iwai - Utagawa Toyokuni I Japanese art

‘Nakai Omiya Hanshiro Iwai’ – Utagawa Toyokuni I

1818

Waseda University Theatre Museum

 

 

 

Ca.1905-hand-tinted-half-stereoview-image-by-T.-ENAMI-of-Yokohama.

 Hand tinted half-stereoview image of Geisha’s by T. Enami of Yokohama.

Ca.1905

 

 

 

 

Geisha-girl-in-red ku-ma-Iwai-half-Shiro---Utagawa-Toyokuni-I

 Ku ma Iwai half Shiro – Utagawa Toyokuni I

 

 

 

 

 

Toyohara-Kunichika-1867-Eight-of-the-inner-Edo-yo-shi-wa-raののMing-Zhong

‘Yearning at dawn in Yoshiwara’ – Toyohara Kunichika

Edo 1867

 

 

 

Evening-Snow-at-Edo-River’-1932-woodblock-print-by-Hasui-Kawase-by-Plum-leaves-on-Flickr

‘Evening Snow at Edo River’  woodblock print by Hasui Kawase

1932

Plum leaves on Flickr

 

 

 

Geisha-Girl-Handpainted-Vintage-China-Chocolate-or-Coffee-Pot-by-bellefleurantiques-on-Etsy

Geisha Girl Panel Handpainted Vintage Chocolate or Coffee Pot

bellefleurantiques on Etsy

 

 

 

Geisha-Memories,-2011-Mariko

‘Geisha Memories’ – Mariko

2011

 

 

 

GEISHA-ON-A-MORNING-WALK-WITH-PAPER-PARASOL----A-Riverside-Scene-in-Old-Japan

‘Geisha on a morning walk by a river’ – vintage photo

Okinawa Soba – Flickr

 

 

Group of Geishas - Satsuma-vase

Japanese porcelain Satsuma vase

 

Hiroaki-Takahashi-painting-of-geisha

 ‘The Pine Tree of Success on the Sumida River’  – Hiroaki Takahashi

1910

 

 

KOITSU-Japanese-Woodblock-Print-SNOW-AT-NEZU-SHRINE-1934

‘Snow at Nezu Shrine’ – Koitsu

1934

 

 

 

Japanese-print - 1920-25 'Heron Maiden' - Nakamura Daizaburo

‘Heron Maiden‘ – Nakamura Daizaburo

1920-25

 

 

 

Hedi-Schoop-Woman-Vase-Iridescent-Glaze-Geisha-Girl

Mid-Century Geisha girl with iridescent glaze by Hedi Schoop

California

 

 

 

The-spirit-of-the-heron-maiden-woodblock-print-by-Taniguchi-Kokyo-(1864-1915),-----dated-1925

The spirit of the heron maiden woodblock print by Taniguchi Kokyo (1864-1915), dated 1925

From a Japanese folktale

 

 

 

Japanese-Kutani-Japanese-Geisha-Musician-Porcelain-Figure

Japanese porcelain figurine Japanese Geisha Girl Kutani Musician

 

 

 

Japanese-Satsuma-Vase-with-Bijin

Japanese Satsuma Vase

 

 

 

Japanese-Sumida-Gawa-earthenware-teapot.-The-finial-depicts-a-seated-male-figure.-Raised-crab-and-sea-motif.

Japanese Sumida Gawa earthenware teapot. The finial depicts a seated male figure. Raised crab and sea motif.

 

 

 

Japanese-woodblock-print-postcard---Butterfly-Obi-1945

Japanese woodblock print postcard –  ‘Butterfly Obi’

1945

 

 

Japan-Kimono-Geisha-Women-Postcard

Geisha instruction

 

 

 

Katsushino-of-the-Aka-Tsutaya.--Ukiyo-e-woodblock-print,-early-1800’s,-Japan,-by-artist-Kikugawa-Eizan

‘Katsushino of the Aka-Tsutaya’. Ukiyo-e woodblock print,  by artist Kikugawa Eizan

early 1800’s, Japan

 

 

Lake Biwa by Koho-Shoda-(Japanese-Woodblock-Prints)

‘Lake Biwa’ – Koho Shoda

 

 

 

Lladro-Japanese-Portrait---Asian---Decorative-Objects-And-Figurines---Sculpted-By-Miguel-Angel-Santaeulalia---Hand-Made-In-Spain

Japanese geisha figurine – Miguel Angel Santaeulalia for Lladro, Spain

 

 

 

Kutani--Porcelain-Figure-of-a-Woman-with-Kitten,-circa-1870 - MEMPHIS-ONE-PL

Kutani–porcelain-figure – Woman with Kitten

circa 1870  – Memphis One, 1stDibs

 

MEETING-AT-THE-GATE----Japanese-Girls-in-Kimono-at-the-Entrance-to-Genkyu-en-Gardens-in-HIKONE-okinawa-soba

Greetings at the Gate —- Japanese girls in kimono at the entrance to Genkyu en Gardens in Hikone

Okinawa soba, Flickr

 

 

 

Golden Geisha-dancing-with-a-fan.-National-Library-of-France,-Public-Domain

Geisha dancing with a fan

National Library of France

 

 

 

Miss Taiko, Miss Tzumi, Miss Samisen----Three Geisha playing music in Old Meiji- Era-Japan

Miss Taiko, Miss Tzumi, Miss Samisen—-Three Geisha playing music

Meiji Era Japan

 

 

 

Plate,-Edo-period-(1615–1868),-1760-Japan,-Hizen-Province,-Arita-kiln-Porcelain-decorated-with-the-figure-of-Ononokomachi-in-blue-and-brilliant-enamels---Met

Plate, Edo period (1615–1868), 1760 Japan, Hizen Province, Arita kiln Porcelain decorated with the figure of Ononokomachi in blue and brilliant enamels – Met

 

 

 

okinawa-soba----three Geisha girls at the garden gate

Geisha girls at the garden

Okinawa Soba, flickr

 

 

 

Pictures-of-MosaicMosaic-picture-Girl-with-a-letter

Geisha girl reading a scroll – Mosaic Studio

 

 

porcelain-Imari-vase_Hand-painted-Chinese-14-inch-high-porcelain-onion-shaped-jar-in-Geisha-design.---Copy

Chinese Porcelain Imari  hand painted vase

 

 

 

Reclining-Geisha figurine by Lladro

‘Reclining Geisha’ – Lladro

 

 

 

 

Vintage-geisha-photo of an Oiran girl wearing her obi at the front

Japanese Oiran (courtesan) with her Obi tied to the front ( as opposed to the geisha who tie them to their back)

 

 

 

 

Unusual Kinkozan Satsuma vase with geisha fan motif, earthenware vessel of cylindrical form, with rounded shoulder

Tall Geisha Kinkozan Satsuma vase

 

 

 

Vases-japonais-porcelain satsuma

 Satsuma footed ovoid pair of vases

 

 

 

 

Jap-Birdimal-vase-by-Weller-Pottery by Frederick Hurten Rhead

 Weller Pottery –  Birdimal Orange Japanese vase with geisha girl motif by Frederick Hurten Rhead

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT POST  —  Sevres 5th Biennial of Contemporary Ceramics

 

Russell Akerman – Lancaster potter

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Hand-Thrown-&-Hand-Decorated-bulbous Trees-Vase

Art Deco inspired Tree Vase

 

 

Russell-Akerman-blue-speckled-autumn-'Cobalt-Blue'

Speckled ‘Cobalt Blue’ vase – Russell Akerman

 

Russell Akerman has a British studio set up in Lancaster, Lancashire, where he creates innovative gloss glazed pottery ranging from elegant contemporary pieces to recreating Art Deco ceramics. The ‘Echo Of Deco’ project commenced in 2004 when Russell combined with his father Malcolm, to design distinctive pieces that faithfully pays homage to the geometric lines, bold colours and original flair of the Deco aesthetic. They are continually expanding a range that reinforces the diversity and timeless grace of Art Deco, including pieces inspired by the vibrant Jazz Age.
He has also started a range of heritage based ceramics in the style of 18th-19th Century Traditional English Country Pottery/Slipware along with holding a special interest in studying classical styles from around the world.
His summation of his Cobalt Blue range exemplifies his considered approach to his art – ‘These vessels were made using a white earthenware clay body hand thrown on the potters wheel and finished in a Cobalt blue crackle glaze, complemented all over by rich dark speckles of Manganese. When designing this glaze I was particularly drawn to the surface movement and the distinctive natural patterns created by the intense heat of the kiln. These dynamic markings are completely unique to each piece and produce many interesting variations to the surface composition. The semi translucent ‘crackle’ nature of this finish is also much enhanced under strong lighting and reveals many more wonderful colours. As with much of my work, I have left visible a few subtle throwing lines and unique markings to show the origins of being made on the potter’s wheel. The intention here was to combine the above elements with the shape and form to create a collection with an overall sense of balance.’
I always look forward to seeing more Art Deco gems being rejuvenated with the refreshing designs of Echo Of Deco along with Russell’s other explorations into broader ceramic creations.

 

 

Telephone: 0791 4733852
email: [email protected]
http://www.echo-of-deco.co.uk/
http://www.russellakerman.com/

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Bell-Boy-Ornament

‘Bell Boy’ ornament – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Clarinet-Player-Cotton-Club-Letter-Rack-Ornament

 Art Deco Inspired ‘Clarinet Player Cotton Club Letter Rack Ornament’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Tamara-de-Lempicka-Ornament--

Art Deco Inspired ‘Tamara de Lempicka Ornament’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Hand-Thrown-&-Hand-Painted-Abstract-Design-baluster-Vase in orange, balck and white

Jazz Age inspired vessel – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Hand-Thrown-&-Hand-Painted-Geometric-Vase

Art Deco inspired tree motif vase – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Hand-Thrown-&-Hand-Painted-Geometric-Vase----

Elegant Art Deco twin handled vase – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Lady-Singer-Cotton-Club-Ornament

Art Deco Inspired ‘Lady Singer Cotton Club Ornament’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Manhattan-Wall-Clock

‘Manhattan Wall Clock’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Owl-Wall-Clock

‘Owl Wall Clock’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Scottie-Dog-Ornament-----in white, red and blue

 ‘Scottie Dog Ornament’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Streamliner-Set-Of-6-Drinks-Coasters

Echo of Deco Art Deco Inspired ‘Streamliner Set Of 6 Drinks Coasters’

 

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Sunburst-&-Clouds-Wall-Clock

 ‘Sunburst & Clouds Wall Clock’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-White-Star-Line-Wall-Clock

 ‘White Star Liner Wall Clock’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Cat-Wall-Clock

Cat Wall Clock’  – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Tamara-de-Lempicka-Wall-Mask

Art Deco Inspired ‘Tamara de Lempicka Wall Mask’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

Echo-of-Deco-Art-Deco-Inspired-Trio-Cotton-Club-Jazz-Band-Set in ed, back and white

 ‘Trio Cotton Club Jazz Band Set’ – Echo of Deco

 

 

-Geometric-Hand-Decorated-Art-Deco-Inspired-Vase

Handpainted Art Deco style vase – Echo of Deco

 

 

 

It-takes-2-to-4-weeks-from-initial-casting-to-the-final-glaze-firing-to-create-an-individual-piece-of-Echo-of-Deco-pottery.

Final glaze in electric kiln loaded with ornaments

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-black-bottles at the beach

Russell Ackerman UK ceramics

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-mahogany-agate-bottle-Mahogany-Agate-Bottle baluster in red and black

‘Mahogany Agate Bottle’ – Russell Akerman

 

 

Russell Akerman plainolivebottles Plain Olive Crackle Bottles

Plain Olive Crackle Bottles – Russell Ackerman

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-amber speckled bottles-Amber-Sunrise-Speckled-Bottles

‘Amber Sunrise Speckled Bottles’ – Russell-Akerman

 

 

 

russell akerman glazing

Russell in his studio

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-bottles on wood in turquoise and amber

‘Turquoise Crackle’ and ‘Amber Sunrise’ bottles – Russell Ackerman

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-many olive speckle bottles

‘Olive speckle bottles’ – Russell Akerman

 

 

Russell-Akerman-Mesopatamia 2 bottles-Mesopotamian-Earthenware-Bottles

‘Mesopotamian Earthenware Bottles’  – Russell Ackerman

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-morecambe-summer-sunset-1.7

Sunset silhouette – Russell Ackerman

 

 

 

Russell-Akerman-Studio-Pottery-Vase-Handthrown-Ash-767122134

Ash vase – Russell Ackerman

 

 

Russell Ackerman high gloss bottle in tulips

Russell Ackerman bottle

 

Russell-Akerman-olive speckle lidded tea jar

‘Olive speckle  tea jar’ – Russell Akerman

 

 

NEXT POST  —  Japanese Geisha’s tradition in art