Masterclass | Ken Matsuzaki | Throwing Chawan

wlc masterclass ken matsuzaki throwing chawan Masterclass | Ken Matsuzaki | Throwing Chawan chawan

While photographing the Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki for the Goldmark Gallery 2007 monograph, Jay Goldmark was invited to film Matsuzaki in his studio at his kick wheel throwing Chawan (Teabowls) ‘off the hump’ (from a large, single mound of clay). This is rare footage of one of Japan’s internationally respected potters at work.

Ryotaro Kato and the Kobe Dynasty

ryotaro featured 2 jpg webp Ryotaro Kato and the Kobe Dynasty chawan

A recent article described Ryotaro Kato as the ‘son of the seventh master of Kobe Kiln’. ‘Son of the seventh master’ – not the ‘eighth master’. That distinction is important, for it points to two critical aspects of traditional Japanese familial culture: the honouring of elders; and continuation of the family legacy. Japan has, for … Read more

Masterclass | Throwing and Decorating Small Bowls

lkh small bowl slate jpg webp Masterclass | Throwing and Decorating Small Bowls chawan

Watch top Korean potter, Lee Kang-hyo, throwing small bowls on the wheel in his studio. Lee has previously talked about how, when throwing bowls, he tries to touch the clay for the least amount of time possible. He then decorates them using the ancient Korean method of white slip applied with a brush, known as Guiyal. He finishes by comparing the freshly decorated bowls with ones that have already been fired.

Masterclass | Phil Rogers | Centring, Trimming & Rope Decoration

pr rope trimming Slate jpg webp Masterclass | Phil Rogers | Centring, Trimming & Rope Decoration chawan

Phil Rogers shares his wealth of potting experience in this live demonstration at Goldmark Gallery. Here he explains the importance of learning to centre the bat and other objects on the wheel by knocking. He goes on to trim the bottom of a chawan, creates a footring and finishes by showing how to decorate by impressing with rope.

Exhibition | Phil Rogers | Earthly Matters

phil rogers ex jpg webp Exhibition | Phil Rogers | Earthly Matters chawan

Phil Rogers, one of the outstanding British potters of his generation, exhibited at Goldmark Gallery from 16 May 2020. This was the 5th major exhibition of his work at Goldmark and each show has built on the success of the one before. Goldmark was closed because of the Coronavirus however the exhibition was available virtually to the public with an online tour and new films featuring both an interview with Rogers and footage of him at work. The exhibition saw the publication of a new catalogue written by the Rev. Richard Coles, Vicar of Finedon, former member of 1980s pop group The Communards and presenter of Radio 4 programme Saturday Live. The film shows the culmination of an extraordinary career in ceramics by a potter who forged his own path pushing the boundaries of the traditions he was rooted in.

Inspire Me | Ken Matsuzaki | Part 3

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In this third and final film Ken Matsuzaki looks to the future. He explains how the impact of the Tohoku earthquake on Mashiko and its potters triggered a desire in him to support the young potting community. Innovation and originality, he believes, are key objectives for the young craftsman and cultural exchange can foster this. Ken goes on to discuss his very special relationship with the chawan as a means of expression.

Documentary | Lisa Hammond | A Sense of Adventure

lisa hammond tb jpg webp Documentary | Lisa Hammond | A Sense of Adventure chawan

This documentary follows top UK studio potter Lisa Hammond as she prepares for her 2012 Goldmark exhibition.

Delving into her artistic practice, it provides an insight in to the various stages that go into making her distinctive pieces. We see Lisa at her wheel throwing chawans (teabowls) and a large tsubo jar; firing and unpacking her kiln; and talking about her influences over the years, in particular her love of the Japanese pot making tradition. Also captured on camera is her technique of spraying the soda solution direct into the firebox over a period of three hours, creating the characteristically rich and varied surfaces of her pots.