Ceramic artist
Tomohiro Suzuki
Based in Saga, Kyoto, Japan
Career
1975 — Born in Kagawa.
1997 — Exhibited in the Tabula Rasa exhibition at Shijō Gallery, Kyoto.
1998 — Selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition.
1999 — Graduated from the Three-Dimensional Expression course at Saga Art College; studied under Shin Murata.
2001 — Became independent and opened Rinkayō in Saga, Kyoto.
2004 — Exhibited in the New Wave of Japanese Style: Everyday Vessels exhibition at the Tachikichi Main Store Craft Salon, Kyoto.
2016 — Presented work at JR Nagoya Takashimaya.
2018 — Presented work at Tamagawa Takashimaya.
Since then — Has held numerous solo and group exhibitions, mainly in Kansai and Tokyo.
Today — Continues making ceramics from his base in Saga, Kyoto.
Main techniques: kohiki, hakeme, Annam, and blue glaze.
About the artist
Tomohiro Suzuki makes everyday tableware using a range of techniques and glazes, including kohiki, hakeme, Annam, and blue glaze.
His vessels may appear simple, but he pays close attention to form and the feeling of use. The walls are made as light as possible and the rims are cleanly finished. He repeatedly adjusts the depth of plates and bowls, the space left around food, and the silhouette seen from the side.
Suzuki does not limit himself to one fixed style. Rough clay surfaces, soft kohiki, flowing glazes, and occasional irregularities and traces of the hand come together to give his work a rich range of expressions. With long use, the clay and glaze gradually change, leaving traces of time that belong to the user.
For him, a beautiful vessel must first be a useful one.
It should not be carefully stored at the back of a cupboard, but light and easy enough to reach for naturally every day. When food is placed inside, the vessel steps back, and the relationship between food and vessel truly begins.