Before applying for the Artist in Residence
Program in Seto I was curious about how I was
going to function in my new surroundings? I
would be working with unknown and different
kinds of materials; I wondered if that change
would affect my work and how.
In many aspects Japan is a very important country,
but for me being ceramic artist, my biggest
interest lies in the field of ceramics. I was
always amazed by the Japanese refined and specific
aesthetic feelings, and their interest and understanding
for both contemporary and traditional ceramics.
For artists who are usually isolated in their
own studio during the creative process, working
in Japan, and especially in Seto, is a rare
challenge and opportunity; to measure the degree
of communication of ones own work and how the
colleagues and public are going to react.
One of the reasons I want to expose my work
is to verify if it can make contact, or provoke
some feelings in people coming from different
backgrounds and cultures.
The fantastic process of realizing the idea
from the beginning through to the final work
always fascinated me and pushed me to be curious
and to go on future.
In my work I have passed through changes and
different phases.
Lately, for some period now the pictorial problem
I have been trying to solve is to unify the
solid part of sculpture with more fragile light,
usually different coloured parts, into an unique
shape. This approach begs rational advance planning
of construction, and concentration to imagine
how the many different separate parts are going
to look like once they are joined together.
Because of those facts my general working concept
couldn’t be influenced much from outside impressions.
Maybe they need to be digested, and will become
of value to me in the future.
From the technical point of view I have enjoyed
working with fantastic porcelain and clay bodies,
trying to find out how some of my works looked
like fired in reduction.
I rarely have such peaceful periods as the
one I have had in Japan. At home, in everyday
life I have many other obligations that distract
my attention. The perfect organisation of this
program, kindness of staff, artists, and assistants,
employees from Museum, Cultural Centre, and
people in general, made it possible for all
my energy to be directed towards my creative
process, which I hope, was successful and interesting
for you as it was for me.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to
everybody involved in this program, which I
am sure, will continue to develop.
Personally I am still forming my impressions.
My stay in Japan helps me to progress and inspires
me for my future work.
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