August 11th 2024 SCW Workshop by Izumi Shibata in Portland Pottery, ME

Introduction to Japanese Wheel Thrown Pottery with Izumi Ryono Shibata

Sunday, August 11, 2024 – 10AM to 12PM – All Levels, Ages 16 year Through Adult. $70. (This class is Full)

https://canvas.portlandpottery.com/classes/283

Description (Refer from Portland Pottery)

Join Fukuoka-based Japanese potter Izumi Ryono Shibata for a workshop on Japanese wheel throwing. 

During the workshop, Izumi will discuss the basics of Japanese pottery: the role of pottery in everyday Japanese life (both functionally and as an art form), how pottery making methods in Japan differs from the US, the various paths to becoming a potter in Japan, the changing role of Japanese women in pottery, and the challenges and satisfactions of owning and operating Sen Ceramics Works. Izumi will demonstrate the frequently used Japanese method of working from a large hump of clay to make multiple pieces including yunomi (everyday tea cups) and small plates. She will explain the techniques used in handling clay on the wheel in Japan and the use of various handmade Japanese pottery tools. Students will have the opportunity to try Japanese throwing techniques under Izumi’s guidance. Experience centering the amount of clay that forms the hump (± 3 lb) will be helpful for participation in this workshop. Izumi will bring some handmade tools made at Sen Ceramics Works for students to use (and keep!).

Artist Bio: Izumi was educated in ceramics at Musashino Art University in Tokyo and the Tokomane Ceramic Research Institute in Aichi Prefecture.  She worked and apprenticed at ceramic studios before coming to study at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where she received her BFA and MFA in ceramics. She taught at both UNC-G and Penland School of Craft. After a break from pottery to raise two sons, Izumi and her husband, Shusen, a potter and Buddhist monk, founded Sen Ceramic Works on the outskirts of Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. Kyushu is an area renowned for its varied styles of pottery from the highly decorative porcelain known as Arita and Imari ware to the stoneware pottery associated with everyday functional use. At Sen Ceramic Works, Izumi and Shusen make their own clay and glaze and fire in their own wood-fired kiln. Izumi and Shusen welcome Maine potters (including Portland Pottery’s own Lisa Adams!) to Sen Ceramics Works for an in-depth Japanese pottery experience.

Other ways to participate: Sen Ceramic Works pottery will be on display and available for purchase at Portland Pottery and nearby Oxbow Blending and Bottling (49 Washington Avenue).

Portland Pottery