Cross-cultural Learning: Pottery Workshop with Master Potters from Japan

Last weekend, we hosted some Master Potters from Tokoname, Japan! The days were packed with fun educational talks about poetry techniques and demonstrations at our pottery studio, including a live demonstration by Ms Mami Kato of her special techniques and a talk by Mr Koji Sugie about the history of ceramics in Japan.

Tokoname is famous for its tokoname-yaki, or Tokoname ware, a type of Japanese pottery made in the region, and an official local brand. Tokoname is home to generations of potters who keep the traditions and techniques from centuries before alive today. The resilience of the art form is similar to that of the mental health patients whom we aim to help through the art therapy.

Pictured above are some chawan, traditional tea bowls used in Japan for preparing and drinking tea that were made with during our exchange weekend.

This weekend learning from and with the Japanese masters reminded us that it does not matter how skilled we may be in a particular field, there are always things to learn and ways to improve, and the only direction we can continue to grow in is up. Though we may be the ones teaching students, we are also ourselves still learning.

If you'd like to learn with us, click here to see our classes!