Illustrated is another
picture from our trip to see the collection of Alice and Halsey North. This "object" made by veteran
Shigaraki artist, Kohyama Yasuhisa is also the cover illustration for the catalogue
of their collection by Joe Earle, entitled; CONTEMPORARY CLAY; JAPANESE
CERAMICS FOR THE NEW CENTURY. Having had the opportunity to spend some time
observing Kohyama work, it is fascinating to see the object take on mass as
coil after coil are built up and the clay is studied for the point at which he
will facet the clay. Like a skilled diamond cutter, he studies the form as it
is being constructed and quickly and without hesitation, he "cleaves" the form to
leave the object as it was seen in his mind's eye.
This wonderful
"object" is entitled, WIND (FUNE). In person, the sculptural pot is
enlivened with a shimmering surface of thin green glass at the top of the form
and fly ash overall. The monumental presence creates a sense of movement as if
defiantly standing sentinel against the wind, the vessel is frozen in perpetual
motion. Easily my favorite among the array of pieces in the North collection,
the Kohyama soars between the established tradition and vanguard of modern
yakishime pottery.
(Pictures taken and used
with the kind permission of Alice and Halsey North)
.JPG)