JAPAN
HAZE Wax
The Arts Council let me postpone and finishing the project aftercall. It should have been all wrapped up by now. The plan was to travel to Japan to meet Haze wax makers and other ceramic artists to learn and to get new inspirations for a new body of work. Now I am focusing on making new pieces born of the experiences and inspirations this trip has given me and I will exhibit them later this year July 2023.
After many months of planning, hoping, and more planning my trip to Japan finally happened. What was the problem - well, COVID, it’s always COVID. But with the help of some very kind people, I was able to organize a business visa that let me travel to Japan and do my research.
The travel plans came together with the help of a kind and competent soul called Alice Gedenker - a journalist and writer living in Japan. She has helped me to sort out meetings and also how to travel in Japan. The cultural differences and little quirks that, when in the know, help to bridge understanding and feed positive feedback.
She translated my name Katharina Klug into カタリナ・クルグ so I could print it on a business card. When meeting a new person, you present each other with this card - I read, that the higher-ranking one goes first.
Also, her advice on mask-wearing, gift-giving, and travel, in general, was vital. I have traveled in the past but always in a happy-go-lucky way to float along. This time, too much preparation, still felt like not enough.
I am still writing up all my experiences - please wait for more to come….
A day in Kyoto
On the philosopher’s path with Robert Yellin
Already a few years ago I came across Robert on social media. He lives in Kyoto and runs a wonderful ceramics gallery all driven by his great knowledge of ceramics in general but particularly of Japanese Pottery. I messaged him in advance and he was kind enough to let me visit him. The variety of work on show in his place is vast and eclectic. Traditional next to modern - utilitarian next to pure art. We drank some cold pink tea in the heat of the city. He told me about his journey and how pottery gives him joy.
Kanjiro Kawai house - Kyoto
After the gallery tour, Robert took me for lunch at his fantastic local and we went on the philosopher’s path to a temple. And later to the Kanyiro Kawai house which blew my mind. I wasn't sure what the mingei movement had for me but the feel of the house and the pieces in the collection made a strong impression on me. I can only thank Robert for his kindness to share his time and space with me. May our paths cross again.