Kyoto

Between fall 1989 and spring 1991, I was awarded a Monbusho scholarship to study at Kyoto City University of Arts in Japan. Reflecting on this period today, I consider it one of the most beautiful and formative times of my life. During my time in Kyoto, I immersed myself in learning traditional Japanese techniques for crafting dishes and household items.

My interest in Japanese craftsmanship was getting stronger during a trip through Asia in 1987 when I visited a Mingei exhibition at the Lalit Kala Academy in Delhi, showcasing traditional Japanese crafts. Prior to my time in Kyoto, my studies in Linz with my teacher Günther Praschak already instilled in me a deep appreciation for Japanese artistry. Under his guidance, I was introduced to the world of tea ceramics, the tea ceremony, and Zen Buddhism.

In the summer of 1990, I traveled around Kyushu Island, exploring prominent pottery centers such as Arita, Satsuma, Onda, and Koishiwara. Subsequently, I developed a profound admiration for prominent figures in Japanese culture, including architect Tadao Ando, fashion designer Issey Miyake, writer Yukio Mishima and a number of filmmakers and artists.

There are quite a number of great contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, one of my favorite is one of the teachers at Kyoto University, Akiyama Yo. Another favorite one, unfortunately already passed away, who had lived in Seattle is Akio Takamori.