Handmade ceramic art for your home and office

My experience as a classically trained violinist resonates throughout my work. It imparts a lyrical quality that speaks of beauty and harmony with classical proportions. 

My current series was born out of a love for Japanese sushi and sake. I am intrigued by the shapes and colors of the food and serving pieces, and felt compelled to design something different than the traditional wheel thrown sake set. Architectural and interior design elements, ranging from the Bauhaus movement to architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry, often serve as inspiration for my work.

First I roll out the clay and cut out pieces from my pre-designed patterns. Then I wrap the pieces into delicate flasks (tokkuri) resembling a kimono, tapering them slightly towards the top. The cups (ochoko) are also wrapped but are smaller and perfectly sized for a serving of sake.

Dramatic underglazes contrast the light colored clay. I make deliberate marks using the sgraffito technique, to carve through the color, allowing the clay body to show through. Clear glaze is then applied and fired in an electric kiln, making them food safe. 

The set is served on a wooden plinth which is cut, sanded and torched with flame, singeing the wood to bring out the grain. This traditional Japanese technique is called Shou Sugi Ban.

I design these to be artistically pleasing and enjoyed. Kanpai!