On Sunday, July 23rd, Japanese Master Ceramicist, Hideaki Fukuda gave a demonstration of pottery making methods in the Shigaraki style from Japan’s Shiga Prefacture, a rustic and earth-toned style dating from the 12th century. Homescapes, Carmel held an artist’s reception beginning at 12 noon and Mr. Fukuda began his demonstration at 1pm. This was Mr. Fukuda’s first visit to the United States, and we are honored that he has chosen Homescapes, Carmel in which to demonstrate his work.

Homescapes’ Thompson Lange first stumbled upon the work of Hideaki Fukuda at the Big Site Convention Hall in Tokyo.

“I went to the Tokyo International Gift Show specifically to find Japanese artisans,” says Thompson, “but I made an unfortunate assumption based on the “international” in the title…I assumed there would be show staff able to speak English. (I don’t know why I’d assume that, I don’t assume anyone speaks Japanese at the New York International Gift Show.)”

“When I found Mr. Fukuda’s ceramics I knew that I wanted to make some sort of connection, but it was impossible to bridge the language barrier. So I gave him my card and took his information home with me so I could buy his pottery using Homescapes’ secret weapon: Mitsuko Gammon. Mitsuko has worked with us at Homescapes for years and she was born in Tokyo, so Japanese isn’t the stumbling block for her that it is for me.”

“Through all the conversations about his vases and pottery, we beganthrough Mitsuko’s translations to develop a really nice relationship with Mr. Fukuda. When he asked if he could come to America and give a demonstration at Homescapes in Japanese ceramic techniques we were really, really honored.”

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Above: Images of Fukuda's innovative vessels.

Fukuda Biographical Timeline:

1950: Born in Fukuoka prefecture (similar to a state)

1970: Graduated, Japan Design College, Graphic Art

1974: Graduated, Saga Prefectural Ceramic School, Saga prefecture

1975: Became a potter artist. Built first kiln and studio in Saga

1982: Moved to Arita, Saga, and built second kiln

1984: Moved to Kanagawa prefecture and established another studio and kiln

1988: Graduated from Shiga Prefectural Ceramic School, Shigaraki, Shiga prefecture

1990: Started working as a part-time lecturer at Shiga Prefectural Ceramic School

1992: Became part-time lecturer at Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Center

1993: Built a kiln and established "Sodho" Studio in Shigaraki, Shiga prefecture