Toshiko Takaezu

"Like her native Hawaii, the pottery of Toshiko Takaezu is a blending of the East and West. Delicately asymmetrical forms, reminiscent of a Zen tradition, are balanced and vitalized by the application of abstract and lyrical 'color clouds' that recall the flora and sky of Hawaii. For Toshiko Takaezu the creative process is not a hurried affair: the works remain 'non-finito'-continually presenting new possibilities to be explored until finally placed in the kiln. Then the fire-the volcano-puts its mark on the porcelain. The quiet drama of Takaezu's pots demands an intimate participation from the viewer. Even the new experimental direction on which she is working is a 'private affair': the artist now places small pieces of clay into her closed pots and bases of chalices before the firing. When the pot or chalice is lifted there will be a shade of sound: perhaps again Hawaii-waves breaking on quiet shores. After a distinguished teaching career, Takaezu has mainly given up the classroom in order to concentrate more fully on her studio work."

Education: Honolulu School of Art, Cranbrook Academy of Art.

- Objects: USA exhibition catalog, Museum of Arts and Design, 1970.