Toshiko Takaezu

An Interview with Toshiko Takaezu from D.B.Long on Vimeo.

Toshiko Takaezu (June 17, 1922 – March 9, 2011) was an influential American potter, an artist, and a teacher. Born in Hawaii to Japanese parents, she studied traditional ceramics in Japan, which continued to inform her work throughout her career.

Learn more about Toshiko at www.toshikotakaezufoundation.org

Ugetsu

Check out the amazing recreation of a Muromachi period pottery studio in the classic Japanese film Ugetsu. I highly recommend watching the entire film (it's available on DVD from Netflix).

Shiho Kanzaki

Unlike many of Japan’s famous ceramic artists, Shiho Kanzaki was not born into a family of potters. Nor did he enter the field at an early age. He initially went to school to become a lawyer, and was actually disowned by his father for choosing a different path. After a stint selling washing machines, Shiho established himself as a studio potter.

“The truth is,” he said in an interview with American potter Dick Lehman, “that because of those encounters I am what I am now. The tree that overcomes severe weather reveals its true beauty. It is the same for people.”

Check out Dick Lehman's article about his mentor.