[Potter: Toru Hatta] Shaping nature from the palm of your hand

May is the month when new leaves sprout and the trees change into vibrant green.

We visited the studio and kiln of Potter Toru Hatta (hereafter referred to as Mr. Hatta).

Mr. Hatta's workshop is located in Osaka Prefecture.

His home and workshop, located in an area lined with historical buildings, is modern yet somehow gives off a nostalgic impression.

Even though it was my first visit, I think the reason I had this impression is because of Mr. Hatta's personality.

Hatta's workshop is a glass-walled building built on a slope, allowing sunlight to pour into the room.

We spoke to him in a mysterious space where indoors and outdoors coexist.

Mr. Hatta is originally from Ishikawa Prefecture and moved to Osaka to attend university.

During his time at university, he was absorbed in the study of three-dimensional objects, and came into contact with three-dimensional objects made from a variety of materials, including not only ceramics but also glass.

The turning point came when he was job hunting. He considered various careers, but when he thought about what kind of work would allow him to continue creating things with his own hands, he landed on the profession of Potter.

Nearly 30 years have passed since we began our activities.

Hatta's works are endlessly natural and endlessly simple.

Even so, when you look at the work, you can tell at a glance that it was created by Hatta, and the reason is clear.

This is because Mr. Hatta's philosophy is embodied in each of his works.

Pursuing nature is Mr. Hatta's philosophy.

When Hatta turns the potter's wheel, the clay begins to move like a living thing.

Sensing the subtle changes in your fingertips, the soil stretches vertically and horizontally.

It was like watching a living thing grow. The way the clay transformed into a vessel in an instant was like magic.

The kiln is located about 30 minutes by car from the workshop.

Hatta uses a traditional kiln called anagama.

Because the pit kiln fires at high temperatures, the finished product has a unique texture.

However, this traditional kiln is difficult to control its temperature, and because it uses wood as fuel, it is difficult to leave it unattended while the fire is lit. It is a tricky beast to handle.

Nowadays, there are electric kilns and gas kilns, which are relatively easy to use compared to the anagama kiln.

Why choose to use an anagama kiln, which is difficult to use, when there are convenient tools available?

The answer lies in fire.

Hatta says, "The development of humanity has always been accompanied by fire. I believe that humans cannot escape fire and are drawn to it. It is because of fire that we have been able to meet here today."

Mr. Hatta has a gentle personality.

Not only did he readily agree to be interviewed, but he even treated us to a home-cooked meal, even though he has an upcoming exhibition in China.

His conversations with his students were also calm and gentle, and it was as if they were family.

On the other hand, he is stoic when it comes to production, and we witnessed his passion many times during our interview.

Not only was there a great deal of attention paid to the clay and the workshop, but there was also great attention to detail that we would not have noticed.

This is the kind of thing he wants to create. He wants to create new pottery. There is a burning flame inside Hatta.

Passion is encapsulated in a calm atmosphere and transformed into a powerful flame, just like the anagama kiln itself.

As we spoke in the workshop, a refreshing breeze blew through us.

Outside, the trees were swaying gently, their leaves sparkling with a vibrant green glow.

Looking out the window, Mr. Hatta told us, "Nature is the most beautiful thing."

I thought that was absolutely true. Nature is close at hand, nature is all too close.

We tend to forget the beauty of nature.

Hatta's work reminds us that humans exist in harmony with nature.