Ceramic artist
Ryoko Kawakami
Based in Kyoto, Japan
Career
Born in Kyoto Prefecture.
2020 — Graduated from the Ceramics course in the Department of Fine Arts and Crafts at Kyoto University of the Arts.
After graduation — Began working as a ceramic artist from her base in Kyoto, making vessels, objects, and everyday tableware, primarily by hand-building.
Today — Continues making and presenting work in solo and group exhibitions.
Main technique: hand-building. Vases, objects, everyday tableware, and tea vessels.
About the artist
Ryoko Kawakami is a ceramic artist based in Kyoto. She makes hand-built vases, objects, and vessels for everyday life.
Rather than using a wheel, Kawakami pinches the clay with her fingers, gradually bringing each form into being. By intentionally leaving the marks of her fingertips and subtle irregularities, she creates contours that are not overly composed and seem to carry something alive within them.
Softly swelling forms, tilted rims, and small rises and dips left on the clay surface give even vessels made for the same purpose their own distinct presence.
In recent years, she has expanded from vases and objects to tea vessels and tableware. The free forms born in her hands naturally find a place in daily life when filled with flowers or used to serve food.