For Kazu Oba, 2011 was a year of challenge and growth.
Our upcoming show will feature a collection of Kazu’s works from 2011. We will follow Kazu’s travels around the world through his pieces from each destination.
Kazu Oba 2011 Timeline
December 2010 – January 2011
Works alongside his master Takashi Nakazato at Skaelskor in Demmark’s International Ceramic Research Center and Hohr-Grentzhausen, Germany.
February Returns to the US. Works with “Team Takashi” at the Mesa Art Center in Mesa, Arizona.
April “Team Takashi” two firings at *Hananoki Kiln
*Hananoki Kiln=Hananoki Kiln is a historical kiln located in Gifu prefecture, Japan; built by Takashi Nakazato’s master Fujio Koyama. This is the 4th time for this Hananoki Kiln project; it took 7 weeks for completion of the two firings there.
Making time during production, Kazu visited Kyoto to secure several exhibitions. When Kazu previously visited Kyoto, he was not given the time of day, but after his success in New York, he says that galleries in Kyoto are responding positively.
June Four Man exhibition alongside Takashi Nakazato and members of Shigaraki at Manyoudo (Ginza, Tokyo)
July Kazu returns home to Boulder, CO. However, with no time to lose, he flies to Northern Arizona University in Blackstaff, AZ for the construction of the “Two Headed Dragon Kiln” together with “Team Takashi”.
*Two Headed Dragon Kiln=An advanced version of the train kiln (shaped like a steam locomotive, hence the name). Instead of firing from one side, making another head enables firing from two sides. Switch back refers to firing from one side, then the other side, during one firing.
August Kazu returns home to Boulder where he prepares for his exhibition at the Bobby Walker Fine Arts in Denver. This exhibition was a Four Man Show, including Takashi Nakazato and Kazu Oba.
During this exhibition, Kazu showed pieces which utilized form and technique from his other master, Jerry Wingren. Kazu used Stone and Wood as mediums for his sculptures. The exhibition added another layer to Kazu Oba, not only potter but as a versatile artist.
We joined Kazu at the opening reception and spent a few days with him. During this time we were honored to meet the many influential people surrounding Kazu, and also grew our knowledge of who Kazu Oba is.
September Kazu one again returns to Denmark. While awaiting Takashi Nakazato, Kazu concentrated on production of his own pieces. He returned to Denmark to complete firing on pieces from earlier in the year, and also for a Two Man Exhibition. The opening reception was a huge success with the Ambassador of Japan in attendance.
October Kazu completes his Germany workshop with great success.
He entertained all who were part of the workshop to a formal dinner, in true Kazu style. Kazu completed all firings for his world tour 2011.
Works from Germany will be shown in a Four Man Show with Fritz Rossman, Susanne Lukacs-Ringel, Takashi Nakazato, and Kazu Oba this fall in Tokyo and Fukuoka, Japan.
November – December 2011
Kazu returned home to Boulder and began work on his own studio, “Mercury Studios”.
