ON THE EDGE

Illustrated is another one of those pesky detail shots (and I have plenty of them) that shows off the mouth of a Shigaraki henko rather nicely. The henko in question was made by Shigaraki potter, Imura Mitsuo and on top of being a rather interesting form, the pot was fired on the end which also allowed the ash to run horizontally contrary to conventional thoughts regarding gravity as you look at the displayed piece. Back to the mouth for a moment, as you may be aware, the henko was made by coiling, creating a semi-geometric form that culminates in an austere, purposeful conclusion that has a weathered, perhaps rustic attitude, appearing just a bit like it is crumbling back in to the earth. The mouth has a great flashed surface with areas glistening a bit like it is wet with areas of accumulated ash built up around the depressed area adding even more effect to the narrative about clay, space, time and fire. Perhaps what strikes me most is the organic quality to neck and mouth which springs from a soft angularity and battle worn surface of the body of the henko, contrasting in a sense of harmony that is a not so easy balance to be negotiated but in this case, it just work. More photos to follow or perhaps a video slideshow at some point in the future.

"Gravity wins over all other known forces."  Andrea Ghez