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Brad SCHWIEGER
My interest in Japanese ceramics and culture has extended over a twenty year period. As a student in 1983 I was able to work in Mashiko as a studio assistant. In 1989 I returned with my family to share some of the wonderful experiences I had grown from and the friendships I had made. My new experience as a Seto Resident Artist comes as a great honor. To produce work and exhibit in a historically significant ceramics area like Seto is very exciting.
I appreciate the kindness shown by everyone and must give special thanks to Mr. Ito for his initial contact, Mr. Hitori, Ms. Kuroda and Mr. Nakashima for their tireless efforts in overseeing the needs of the artists. The assistants and research students were all willing to lend a hand to see that we could focus on our work. The community of artists in the Seto area were also extremely kind.
I know the program has enriched the lives of the artists involved and I can only hope that our participation will some how benefit the City of Seto. A program so well organized and supported is sure to become recognized on an international level.
The work I produced was based primarily on the vase form. I selected clays that were able to withstand my aggressive approach to wheel throwing. I was amazed by the selection and quality of clays that were available. The altering process I use when on the potters wheel consist of faceting, stretching and cutting up sections of the form and reassembling them. These techniques temper the symmetry of the wheel throwing process. Form is the most essential element in my work. My secondary focus is to develop different types of surfaces that will enhance the form. I am often concerned with the formal issues of design. How do the parts relate to the whole? How can the whole transcend the parts? How can each piece become a individual interpretation of a traditional form?
Most of the work was made in multiples using different colored clays. Testing was done but because of time restraints I was unable to wait for all of the results and felt I must just begin making work and hope for the best. Working in a new environment with different materials and people helped me generate some new ideas and build on the work I was producing in America. I found the overall experience in Seto extremely valuable.
I have been influenced by many people, places and pottery in my life. My intention is to keep my work evolving and changing, responding to my experiences.
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