Mashiko potter's workshop

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I was fortunate enough this last week to attend a workshop by a visiting potter from Mashiko, Japan. The OPA is sponsoring an exhibit by the Mashiko Potters Association at the Japanese Gardens in Portland. Kizuna, celebrates the bonds between potters of Oregon and Mashiko formed in the rebuilding efforts after the town was devastated in the Fukushima earthquake. A number of potters from Mashiko are visiting the area and offering workshops around Oregon.

Akihiro Ishijima specializes in hand built vessels that play with perspective in intriguing, almost cubist ways. For example:



For his demo, he built a sculptural teapot from slab, about 40 inches high. here's a few photos from the workshop. For a fuller view, go to Flickr.