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”.
Kazu Oba 2012
–Wood Fired Pottery from Around the World-
February 25th -28th 2012
at Sara Japanese Pottery
Artist Reception & Sake Tasting February 25th, 6pm-8pm
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.
We look forward to sharing with you pieces from this “Studio Line” at our upcoming show here Sara Japanese Pottery.
Please join us for the Artist Reception on February, 2012 Saturday, featuring a Sake Tasting presented by
NAGAI SHUZO featuring their sake MIZUBASHO
The way of tea ceremony from KAGA
加賀のお茶
October 13th -17th 2011
at Sara Japanese Pottery
Artist Reception and Demonstration October 13th 2011 6pm-8pm
Tea Ceremony Demonstration from 1pm~
Painting Demonstration from 6pm
Our exhibition, "The Way of Tea Ceremony from Kaga" will feature teaware and other traditional art pieces from Kaga. The pieces have been produced by a group of young artists who have studied and trained in Kaga's rich tradition and culture.
The Kutani pieces will feature traditional Blue & White, Red, and other painted pieces. We will also be introducing the beautiful lacquer pieces of the Yamanaka style. In addition to teaware, the exhibition includes other pieces for daily use. The seven artists' techniques and craftsmanship have grown since last year’s show at Sara, and all are excited to show you their world of delicately produced pieces.
The opening reception will feature a tea ceremony by Kutani artist and Chajin (tea connoisseur)Naoki Imono. Kutani artist Ruri Takeuchi will also be painting during the opening, don't miss this chance to see her delicate paint work live.
We look forward to seeing you at the opening reception.
Sincerely
Naoki Uemura
