swanceramics.com » Kamakura

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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Ginnosuzu Exhibition “Sakura”

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

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Some new Kamakura-Red Ware

swanica — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:29:23 +0000

I am preparing for a month long trip. First, I will go to the US and help our oldest with his upcoming Music and Technology Conference in San Diego: SDMTC. Please, check out his website and see if you can make it down there. After that, we all go to Holland for the Masters graduation in BioTechnology of our middle son Maarten and the celebration of our 30st anniversary and our little family (5) will be together for a couple of days. After the big graduation party we will all return to our special corner in this world: Roland to San Diego, Maarten to Stockholm, Arjan to Chicago and Adriaan and I to Kamakura.

But first some pictures showing some new work from this nice, warm, hot, humid, with sea breeze and warm, clean sea SUMMER!!!

First, for an order in San Diego: A Kamakura-Red “Japonica” Vase. Size: H24″/60cm x W16″/40cm.

Then I made a big plate with a sculpted wave “nami” on it. The drying was difficult, but the result is beautiful!
The Kamakura-Red “Nami” Plate. Size: H 3,5″/9cm, W 16,5″/42cm.

And I made some small incense boxes.

This is the Kamakura-Red “Marguerite” Box. Size: H 0.75″/2cm x W 1,5″/4cm.

The Kamakura-Red “Line” Box is H 1.5″/4cm x W 3″/7.5cm.

And I made more work, but those pictures you will get later. Hope you enjoyed it!

Kamakura-Red “Nami” Plate

swanica — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:59:14 +0000

The Kamakura-Red “Nami” plate in the Kamakura sea of the Sagami Bay in Kamakura.

Kamakura Red Japonica Vase

swanica — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:41:25 +0000

The Kamakura-Red “Japonica” Vase standing in the Kamakura “Sagami” Bay.

Lecture at Kamakura YMCA

swanica — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:09:24 +0000

On May 21, 2010, I gave a lecture at the Kamakura YMCA . This is an English Seminar. It is a group of people who is interested in continuing their knowledge of the English language. Almost everybody lived abroad for a while in an English speaking country of the world. They invite English speaking people to talk about a special topic. I got invited and made a Powerpoint presentation and brought some of my work: especially the Kamakura Red work of course here in Kamakura.

They were very interested in my work and asked wonderful questions. And I had a great time telling them about my work and life.

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On Japanese Television

swanica — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:24:06 +0000

Tonight, I was on Japanese television at 5.55pm for 5 minutes at Channel 5, TV Kanagawa! Well, it was a little bit later and I was very excited and nervous. Two days before Ishihara-san came to my house and filmed for about 2 hours. He had a very good eye to put things together and for the interview I had practiced really well.

Showing some engraving.

Showing how to throw a bowl.

Taking the bowl from the wheel.

The Special Judges’ Award Horsehair Vase from the Mashiko Competition 2006 and the Cosmos Horsehair Plate from the Mino Competition from 2008.

In the back a Kamakura Bori Plate and in the front my version of the use of the bori technique texture decoration.

AND NOW THE YOU TUBE MOVIE of the BROADCAST!

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“Swan Art Gallery” Opening

swanica — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:24:16 +0000

Two days ago I had the opening of my gallery in my little house in Kamakura. The weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day.

Some old and new friends came and some interested people who read the news of the opening in the newspaper or had heard it on the Kamakura 82.8FM radio. They all were interested in my work and gallery and liked it a lot. And my “Japanese” explanations went well.

On both paths towards the house I had put banners and in front of the gate of the house I put my clay sign.

This is the gallery in the down- stairs room of the house.

This is my workshop on the second floor in the dining room.
The dining room table is used now as a worktable.

To the right is the shed the landlord built last summer. If he hadn’t, we would have moved. But he wanted us to stay, so, I did get my shed for the kiln and spray booth!

I also gave some demonstrations, which the people liked a lot. Some never saw the throwing of a pot on a wheel, and so, it was very revealing for them. Then when I teach my students, they are amazed how difficult it actually is, compared by watching me doing it, which looks then so very easy.

Thank you all for coming! And please, don’t be shy. Everybody is welcome!