What is perfect?

The summer of 1997, I was lucky enough to attend a summer art program at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where I studied ceramics. While there, my teacher, Regis Brodie, brought in a guest—master ceramicist, Toshiko Takaezu. She worked in the studio with us for 2 weeks, and it was amazing. Everything came so naturally—it was like the clay was an extension of her. We were allowed to snap a few photos of her working...

Toshiko was born in Hawaii in 1922, and has been working in clay for over 50 years. Her work ranges from small, elegant tea bowls, reflective of her Japanese heritage, to giant vessels that stand taller than she does. When I first saw Toshiko working on one of her large vessels at Skidmore I was completely blown away. Not only did I have no idea it was even possible to create something that large—but it was so natural, and so from her—it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

In a 1993 New Jersey Public Television documentary on Toshiko, (that you can watch here,) Toshiko said that she keeps working because "I am trying to get a perfect piece, and what is a perfect piece, and if I had it would I know it? I am sure I've gotten some thats perfect, and yet I don't want to admit that because then I would stop. I can keep saying I'm going to make a perfect piece—what is perfect, what is perfection? I don't know, I just go ahead and do it. "

You can see more of Toshiko's work, and read about her, on the Charles Cowles Gallery website, as well as the Japanese American National Museum website. Also check out some of her work cast in bronze at Grounds for Sculpture. Here are a few more photos of her work from Skidmore:

I can't wait for my ceramics class tonight!

Comments

[sky]

wow, thanks for introducing me to Toshiko's work.

[one black bird]

thanks for the bit on toshiko, women/people like her are a great inspirtation to keep working at your craft/art. i have been at it for nearly twenty years and i feel as if i've only just begun.

can't wait to see your carved piece when it is finished.

[elizabeth]

this is absolutely beautiful. i was an art major at skidmore and took a class with regis. what an amazing man. i also am lucky enough to own one of his pieces!! he gave good discounts to students- lucky me. thanks for introducing me to Toshiko's work.

[lottie]

I found you via Lena and I've returned several times today to your photos - they're pretty special, and it sounds as if your time with Toshiko was as well.

[jerusha]

oh!! her work is amazing! thank you for sharing!

[Lady S]

I saw a link at whip up. I do ceramics (started when I was 7), but never had a chance in college. I am not very good, but really enjoy it. Thank you for the great entry and pictures.