ｍaking ceramics by Koichi Uchida and Akira Minagawa

Taki-cho is located in the middle of Mie Prefecture, with an easy access to Ise Shrine and Kumano Kodo. “Taki” written in Japanese kanji means “a lot of Ki" and “Ki” means spirit of being. From this definition, the town has known to be a place that nurtures a lot of Ki (positive spirit.)

In Taki, a new facility based on the concept of food just opened, called VISON. Inside, there is a small gallery space called “Gallery uhaku”, focused on the concept of white, and a "KATACHI museum/shop" that handles life-style items under the supervision of ceramic artist Koichi Uchida.For the first exhibition at Gallery uhaku and KATACHI museum/shop, Koichi Uchida and Akira Minagawa collaborated for the first time to create new pieces of ceramicware.

The theme of this exhibition is "white" and "black.

The name of the exhibition at Gallery uhaku is "hakuyouhin" combining the concept of white into daily necessities, while KATACHI museum/shop titled "kuro-to-sen", with the theme of black in relation to white.

This time, the production of ceramicware was made at Uchida's atelier "STUDIO672" attached to Gallery uhaku.

Minagawa carved and painted one by one for Uchida’s ceramicware that is all unique in expression.

This is a scene of making when a drawing is made by scraping over a blue wax coating. The waxed area repels the glaze, and the waxed area appears as a pattern.

For the first time, Uchida and Minagawa collaborated on the wheel and glazing.

He says that he gradually got a sense of the balance between his hands and body as he became accustomed to the materials.

Uchida, who usually collects food-related utensils from all over the world, creates beautiful curved lines and shapes that fit well in hands. All his work has a style of rich texture and presence that he has cultivated over the years.

"I painted the scenery floating on the plate as I wanted by instinct,” Minagawa comments at the unique pieces.

In addition to the plates, various other items were produced, resulting in about 150 pieces.

After finishing the production, Uchida reflects, "As a fellow craftsman, I was really inspired by the same craftsmanship. After working together, watching him work, and talking with him a lot, I gained such admiration for his work ethic, approach, and concentration. I would be happy if people take time to observe these works."

Both Uchida and Minagawa love cuisines that take a lot of time and effort to prepare.
This is also a part of their craftsmanship, and the time they spend imagining how they would like to serve their dishes is a fun and enriching time.

The works of ceramicware will also be available for viewing during the second term of the exhibition (July 9, 2022-).
Please come and visit us.

photograph: Norio Kidera