KATSUURA Aki

Born: 1969 in Nara, Japan
Medium: Wood-fired ceramics

In addition to attending the Kyoto Ceramic Research Center, Aki Katsuura studied with several potters in the Shigaraki area which is one of the Six Ancient Kilns or major historic pottery centers in Japan.  He also apprenticed to the master Shiro Otani for six years.  His work reflects the strong traditions of the Shigaraki area in both pottery and stoneware.

Much of Aki’s work utilizes the typical orange clay found in the bed of Lake Biwa east of Kyoto.  The wood-firing process (up to ten days in the kiln) produces a reddish orange color from oxidation of the iron in the clay.  Additionally, in the maelstrom of the kiln, wood ash deposits on the pots producing a textured glaze. Often Aki will use feldspar or quartz inclusions as well.  But unlike many other potters who work in that area, this man experiments with various shapes, clays and firing techniques. So the result is a rich variety of vessels, textures and colors.

Every year the artist has worked at Richard Carter’s anagama kiln in Napa, where he enjoys exploring different possibilities with wood-firing since every kiln acts in a unique fashion.