|
Arnold Annen
Violette Fassbaender
As we both spent many years in Japan and gained our basic, respectivelyfurther ceramics training there, the unexpected invitation to be Artists in
Residence in Seto1s Ceramic and Glass Art Center surprised and pleased usvery much. We are personally very attached to Japan. Japanese philosophy,esthetics, and ceramic technique have been a major personal and professionalinfluence. We searched for an enrichment and expansion of consciousness.
This was a wonderful opportunity to develop and intensify intercultural
relationships, something we strive for although it requires a dedicated
effort because of the distances between our continents. In our field, the
practical and physical exchange is most efficient way as our
interaction with the material is our expression and means of
communication.
As until now we had only a brief personal contact with the Seto
region, wehad the opportunity to become better acquainted with the city where one is
surrounded by ceramics at each step. We were fascinated by the century long
and seamless history of ceramics on display in the various art museums, the
visits to the many contemporary ceramic artists and their confrontation and
reaction
to the region's rich tradition.
Thanks to the good organization and pleasant atmosphere we experienced avery creative and intense time in Seto Ceramic and Glass Art Center where we
were able to concentrate on the development of our work. We received a lot
of assistance and were astounded by the interest expressed by the over 200
spectators
during the “open studio door day”. The inquisitiveness and curiosity from the younger spectators was exhilarating.
The creative process and exchanges with Shigekazu Nagae and Shingo Takeuchi
during the 4-week stay were intense, whether as observer of each other's
methods or during animated and lively discussions. The symposium created an
atmosphere of intense energy and inspiration.
We arrived in Japan with the desire to contribute to a cohesive symposium and share ideas. When looking
at the residency exhibit we saw four individual projects' expressions joined
by the integration of new media and extended boundaries of our personal
capabilities. We can already begin to visualize the new direction of our
work as a result of the inspiration gained from our stay.
In today's fast pace world changes occur constantly, communication
is omnipresent and one can inform oneself through the Internet. The world of ceramics is in the process of evolution and it is therefore very important
that personal exchanges between artists of different cultures take place.
In this manner various intellectual approaches can flourish. We wish to take
this opportunity to express our deep thanks and gratitude to the members of
Seto's Cultural Center and of the Ceramic and Glass Art Center for their
commitment and hope that this program may continue successfully. We gained
many impressions and impulses wh ich will carry us further.
|
