Works where gentle patterns softly emerge from the soft texture of the clay. Ryoko Kimura's pottery, an artist from Kyoto, evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It promises to bring tranquil moments to your daily life.
While still in high school, Ms. Kimura encountered ceramic art objects at a graduation exhibition held at what would later become her alma mater. She was deeply captivated by their free and expansive expression.
Even now as a ceramist, she values above all else in her creative process:
"Making things with joy."
and
"Giving form to what I genuinely love."
Ms. Kimura shared these sentiments with us.
The straightforward passion of the creator translates into the gentle expression of her vessels.
Each piece, carefully shaped by hand, warmly retains the traces of its making, ensuring no two are identical. The soft contours and the feel of the clay's warmth. The patterns gently added to them seem to quietly weave small, charming stories.
The origin of her creations often begins with something cute that catches her eye in daily life or in a shop she visits, or a shape that makes her heart dance. Cherishing these feelings, she elevates them into her works.
The "clothing series," featuring shapes like tiny hats and dresses, was born from this very sensibility. Inspired by the "neriage" technique of combining various colored clays, it began with the imagination that "this atmosphere would surely be cute if it were like a sweater or socks." Through trial and error, she arrived at an expressive method of drawing patterns by utilizing the vibrant red color that emerges when the clay is fired.
It's like the joyful feeling of playing with paper dolls, asking "Which one should I choose today?" along with an endearing design that makes you want to try it on. Both of these are tightly packed into this small world.
Just gazing at them can soothe the heart, and a gentle time begins to flow, as if the tension in your shoulders has suddenly released... A distinct individuality resides within, like a modest shimmer of light.
"What is truly important is invisible to the eye."
Just as one might suddenly recall these words, you realize that your usual time feels a little gentler. The excitement you feel when you pick it up, or when you see it. Both feelings naturally overlap, bringing humble joy into your life. These are vessels that quietly stay by your side, leaving a warm afterglow in your heart.
Ryoko Kimura's pottery can be found here
