In Conversation | Phil Rogers with Rev’d Richard Coles

June 13, 2024January 31, 2023 by Jay

Rev’d Richard Coles in conversation with potter Phil Rogers, over Zoom, back in May 2020. The Rev’d Richard Coles has been a collector of studio pottery for many years, particularly of Phil Rogers’ work. They discuss Phil’s life in pottery and the sources of his inspiration, including Korean and Japanese pots, the work of Shoji … Read more

Shells in Ceramics

April 18, 2022 by Jay

Sebastian Blackie explores elusive answers to a simple question: who first used shells when firing their pots? When clay is heated to stoneware temperatures, in a kiln fired with wood, ash will combine with the clay to form a glaze. Fly ash contains the glass forming mineral silica, as well as ‘fluxes’, such as potassium, … Read more

Trimmings | Phil Rogers | A Tribute

June 15, 2024November 25, 2021 by Jay

Phil Rogers, who died late last year after a short illness, was one of Britain’s leading potters and advocates for his craft. His work is internationally respected and examples are held in the collections of more than 50 museums worldwide, including the V&A, the British Museum, the National Museum of Wales, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art in Mino, Japan.

Documentary | Randy Johnston | An Expansive Vision

June 15, 2024October 7, 2021 by Jay

This acclaimed Goldmark documentary tells the story of one of America’s most respected studio potters, Randy Johnston. Set against the backdrop of his picturesque Wisconsin studio, it gives a revealing and moving insight into his artistic journey. Kicking against his family’s desire for him to become a doctor, Johnston tells of his early travels to Japan, meeting the great Shoji Hamada and apprenticing to National Living Treasure, Tatsuzo Shimaoka. We are also taken on a visit to the Minnesotan studio of his lifelong mentor and friend, 94 year old American legend, Warren MacKenzie. A deep thinker, Johnston talks about his approach to his working practice and his philosophy on art and teaching.

Bending the Rules of Tradition

January 27, 2021 by Jay

At the very end of the main street in Mashiko there is a three-way junction. To the right is the road to Kasama, a neighbouring town also known for its pottery; to the left, the Town Hall and the bus stop for the (very early) bus to Tokyo. Straight ahead is a quiet country lane … Read more

Documentary | Ken Matsuzaki | Elemental

June 15, 2024January 15, 2021 by Jay

Ken Matsuzaki is a Japanese potter working from Mashiko who enjoys an international reputation. He was apprenticed to the late Tatsuzo Shimaoka (National Living Treasure) who in turn had been apprenticed to Shoji Hamada. Matsuzki’s work can be seen in some of the world’s most prestigious private collections.

This 45 minute film shows him throwing in his workshop and features unique footage of him firing his Anagama kiln, with the help of British potter Phil Rogers who commentates on the process. The film ends with Matsuzaki’s 2007 major exhibition of pots at the Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham, Rutland.

Inspire Me | Ken Matsuzaki | Part 1

June 15, 2024October 25, 2018 by Jay

Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki looks back at his early influences and what sparked his interest in clay. He talks about his apprenticeship with Living National Treasure Tatsuzō Shimaoka and the unusual part that shiatsu massage played in his training.

In Focus | Mashiko: The Pottery Town of Japan

October 13, 2020April 26, 2017 by Abu Morshed Julash

Lying some 60 miles north of the swarming metropolis of Tokyo, the pottery town of Mashiko rests beneath the shallow slopes of Mt Takadate.