swanceramics.com » Ceramics Swan Japan

The Kamakura-Red Sakura Exhibition

swanica — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:14:53 +0000

Today, my Kamakura-Red “Sakura” exhibition opened. It was a good day. Some people came in to browse, others to talk and some other ones who bought some work. They are always amazed by this red color. And some think it is the Kamakura Bori wood art. And then of course the communication is sometimes hand and foot work because of the language. It can be frustrating but we also laugh a lot. Then I have some artworks from some famous Mashiko potters: Hamada Tomoo, Matsuzaki Ken and Baba Yuchiko. The money of the sale of their cups will be a donation for the Reference Museum, the Sankokan which is in big disrepair because of the earthquake and of course just donations can be given. Please, enjoy the movie I took today from my show: http://youtu.be/XbedWBfxLQ4

SAKURA Exhibition March 29 – April 3, 2012

swanica — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:57:49 +0000

“Kamakura-Red” Booklet

swanica — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:52:42 +0000

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Publication of “KAMAKURA-RED” booklet

swanica — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:06:18 +0000

My second booklet: “Kamakura-Red”, Ceramic Adventures in Japan II, a brief autobiography got printed this month. I am very proud of this publication. A lot of work in research, in authorization of pictures, in writing and editing in Microsoft brought a wonderful result.
Also, a map of Kamakura with seven locations of where my booklet will be sold, is included.
I am still in the US after the happening of the terrible disasters in Japan. I canceled my “Sakura” exhibition. I would have come out with my book then in Kamakura, but now it has to wait. I would have returned the 23rd of March and still had to do 2 firings before the exhibition. There were still rolling black outs and then use this electricity for my “luxury” work. I could not make myself do that. Better use it for hospitals to save lives. This is a strange feeling: I want to be there, I feel connected and we have a lot of friends there. I want to experience it whatever there is to experience and I want to help them. But I left before this all happened and then decided to stay longer so I could work in California I am lucky that I have 2 workshops. But the feelings are very ambivalent and a feeling of guilt. People tell me not to have that and to feel lucky. But well.
I hope to be able to get back soon and that the situation improves. So many people died and so many people are in such a dire situation. It is incomprehensible.

If you are interested and would like to order my booklet, please, click on the yellow tab of my Etsy Store here on this website.

Mashiko Award Vase in 500 Raku Book

swanica — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:09:38 +0000

My Mashiko Special Judges’ Award “Four Season” Horsehair Vase is published in the 500 Raku book with subtitle: bold explorations of a dynamic ceramics technique. The book is published by Lark Crafts in their “500″ series of craft books: www.larkcrafts.com.

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“SAKURA” Exhibition is CANCELED!!

swanica — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:44:33 +0000

I decided to stay for a while in the US because of all the disastrous events in Japan. It is not finished yet, and because I have the chance to stay away, I think it is better. Although, I feel guilty and also want to go back and help. I also live there, feel connected and we made already quite some wonderful friends.
So, I have to CANCEL my exhibition at the Ginnosuzu Gallery in Kamakura, where I would have had my show from March 31- April 5, 2011.
I am really sorry.
For the show I also still have to fire a glaze-firing and it wouldn’t feel right to use this electricity now for some luxury items. They have to preserve and have rolling black outs. Better to use it for hospital needs or so.

Kamakura-Red work for the “Sakura” Show

swanica — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:38:10 +0000

Some new work for the “Sakura” Exhibition.

These are 3-in-1 Kamakura-Red “Sakura” boxes.

The big Kamakura-Red “Sakura” Box.

The smallest of the three.

Big Kamakura-Red “Sakura” Plate.

Kamakura-Red “Sakura Branch” Platter.

Kamakura-Red “5-leaf Sakura” Platter.

Kamakura-Red “Small 5-leaf Sakura” Platter.

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Ginnosuzu Exhibition “Sakura”

swanica — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:19:44 +0000

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“Wings” Exhibition at Toko Gallery in Mashiko

swanica — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:33:07 +0000

The opening reception of my ceramics exhibition at the Toko Gallery in Mashiko was on Saturday November 27, 2010. The title is: “Wings, Love is a bird she needs to fly”.
It is always quite a work to set up the whole show, but very satisfying when you see the result and especially when some wonderful people are helping you. That makes it all so worthwhile. Thank you all very much!!

Also, watch my video on YouTube at the end of this blog. The big video of the dance performance by KAN-ICHI Segawa is at the moment in the editing phase by Rob Oudendijk and Yuka-san Hayashi and will come soon.

Enjoy the show!

The showroom with the Horsehair art.

Adriaan and I.

My new wings!

The Kamakura-Red room!

Beautiful flowers from my family-in-law.

KAN-ICHI dancing on the song “Expressions” composed by Helen Jane Long, the song which was the inspiration for this Wing Show.

YOU TUBE VIDEO 1 !!

YOU TUBE VIDEO 2!!!

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Some more new Kamakura-Red work

swanica — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:27:45 +0000

For the Mashiko Exhibition Nov. 29 – Dec. 9, 2010.

New set of “Angel” Kamakura-Red teapots.

“Ripples” Kamakura-Red Plate.

“Rolling Wave”

“Flowing River”

“Chrysantheum Box”

“Toward the Middle”

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