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Statement Mark LEUTHOLD
Arrived in Seto between semesters. Everything is different. Can I make art here? Such questions disappear when I realize I am surrounded by people who want to help me learn and grow: Takumi Suzuki, Hattorisan, Keiji Ito, Munesan, Cochesan, Minorisan, Kumisan, Sakaisan. Other resident artists, Elke, Robin, Fritz, Gabriella, Yoshino, are keen to share advice and knowledge. And the studio assistants are wonderful: Yodasan, Atsushisan, Kentarosan, Andosan, Ayasan, Norikosan. So many caring people with helping hands and information to share. We do not always understand each other, but all of us are always trying. Community. Teamwork. But will all this time and effort yield any interesting objects? Again I feel uncertainty and doubt. I am a student again and am reminded of what every student experiences.
The day before I leave the kilns are unloaded. Finally, answers to our questions. I have to think quickly and respond to the unexpected. Every minute counts. I forget to eat as Iﾕm constantly assessing the results. Gradually I realize that the results are exciting. Massive dark forms and smaller glazed porcelains. The rich black clays. The famous snowy white Seto porcelain. Subtly different from clays of the West. And the vibrant colors of the glazes: amazing peach blooms, glowing purples, icy blues, some frosty and others shimmering. Japanese materials. I give Seto the strong dark forms. The dark forms are large for visual impact. Hidden porcelain elements within these forms unfold gradually. It is necessary to spend time with them. Most of the glazed porcelains are destined for the United States.
The visit to Seto centered around the studio. But what I saw outside of the studio was very much in my mind while creating this body of work. I knew so little about Japan before the trip. How wonderful to learn about this beautiful culture. Among my many unforgettable experiences were the visits to museums, temples, shrines, the landscape, the food, the tea ceremony, the New Year's celebration and, most importantly, the people who cared enough to share and teach. I will not soon forget the warmth of families who opened their homes to share with me, a mayor who cares about art and ceramics, artists sharing share ideas and impressions, young schoolchildren with heartwarming energy, affection, and enthusiasm.
Thank you Seto.
Marc Leuthold
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