A friend invited her to a cafe where she saw tableware made by an artist with a motif of living creatures. When she saw the tableware served with the food, she felt a sudden thrill in her heart, and was surprised that something she uses every day could move her heart so much. This encounter led her into the world of pottery.
She has loved drawing since he was a child. After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at university, she worked in product planning at a company, but after experiencing something fascinating at a coffee shop, he decided he wanted to try making something himself and enrolled in a pottery class. She then studied at a pottery school in Kyoto, and began creating his own works. He has now moved to Tokyo, where he has a studio and devotes herself to creating pottery every day.
The vessels and objects are based on the motifs of mysterious creatures that live in our imagination. They exude a gentle and gentle atmosphere, yet have a mysterious charm that makes you feel as if you are breathing in a clear, fresh breeze. More than just tools, they are imbued with the hope that they can become a companion to the user.
Before the clay dries, the face is carved to create an expression. Pigment is added to the eyes, as if breathing into them.
Even if the pieces share the same name, each one seems to have a slightly different expression and form, and their impression changes depending on the angle and light. They show different sides to each other, almost as if they were alive.
The soft colors layered on the smooth clay shine softly through the translucent glaze, creating a sense of transience and fantasy. When you hold a mug with a fantastical creature design in your hand, it will show different expressions when you place it down and when you pick it up.
"I like the humorous atmosphere that makes you want to ask, 'What's wrong with you?'" says Ms. Koizumi.
She is drawn to the subtle expressions of animals she sees on social media and the gestures of small children, and recently she has also been inspired by stop-motion animation and vintage dolls.
"When I create a piece, I don't set a goal in advance, but rather I create the expression based on the impression I get when I attach the nose parts to the vessel."
Its irresistible cuteness gently adds excitement to your life... Its fairy-like presence is visible only to those who can see it. Its appearance, appearing unexpectedly in the corner of everyday life, gently soothes the heart of the viewer and invites them into a peaceful time.
Click here for works by Ms. Koizumi Chiharu
