I am not
sure why, but I truly enjoy the eccentrics in Japanese art. The bravado and
daring to follow an eccentric vision interests me and the idiosyncratic nature
of the work is a lure, a beacon while standing outside the traditional
convention of the field. The only drawback to the work of the eccentrics is
that their appeal is mostly limited to those who also enjoy work outside of the
norm and bucking convention. Over the years I have been drawn to the likes of
painters Murase Taiitsu and modern painter Sato Katsuhiko, while the pottery of
Isamu Noguchi, Tsukigata Nahiko and Kumano Kuroemon has managed to get my
attention. It is the uniqueness and innovation of the eccentric artists that is
captivating in technique and spirit. I say uniqueness, but in reality, most of
the eccentrics use traditional idioms and through dedication to their vision
bend them to their own by working outside the lines of convention, creating
something entirely new, bold and pivotal to their art. In the end, I see the
eccentrics as the pioneers who, like an engine, drive and help propel the
possibilities of their various pursuits.
Illustrated
is a guinomi by eccentric and dedicated potter, Kumano Kuroemon. The guinomi is
simple in form with a surface that narrates the violence of the firing in which
a thick coat of melted ash coats the Shino glaze creating a surface that looks
like frozen ice complete with fissures and drizzling tamadare style ash moving
down the piece. A side affect is part
of the real beauty of these eccentric works, the surface has a luminescent
quality to it and depending on the light source, the viewer is seduced by its
unique presence and power.
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