[Ceramic artist: Yoji Yamada interview part 2] Continuing to search for something

--There are several kilns in your workshop. What are the characteristics of each?

There are two wood-fired kilns and two electric kilns.

The wood-fired kilns are the "Ittekoi Kiln" and the "Anagama Kiln."

The Ittekoi Kiln is a kiln designed to allow the flame to return.

It has good thermal efficiency and is easy to handle for a wood-fired kiln, so it is often used for firing.

An ana kiln is a little larger and takes a longer time to bake.

These two are cooked over a flame, so the finished product will vary each time.

When working in a wood-fired kiln, I somehow get the feeling that the work is slipping away from my hands.

Although it's difficult to control, wood-fired kilns are fun.

Electric kilns do not have much of an impact on the finished product and seem to produce a clean finish.

I like this one too.

We have many kilns, but to be honest, I like working with my hands, so sometimes I want to leave the firing to someone else (laughs).

*View of the anagama kiln

--What are your thoughts on folk art?

I first encountered slipware at an exhibition at the Osaka Folk Crafts Museum.

From the moment I saw the poster, I was struck by the strength that the whole thing exuded.

So I think I was also greatly influenced by folk art.

I think my life in the UK was in no small part an extension of that.

I learned something different over there (laughs).

However, there is a set "yardstick" for folk art, and what I wanted to do was outside of that yardstick.

So I think my pottery is a little different from folk art.

Without a measuring stick, traditions cannot be preserved, and I think that is very meaningful.

But I got a different measuring stick in the UK.

So I guess it didn't really fit in with the neat shape.

This is merely a matter of categorization, but I learned a lot from the way of thinking and techniques, and it is definitely connected to my current work.

-What moments in the production do you feel joy?

When I'm in good spirits (laughs)

I think there are probably many different kinds of noise in our lives.

It could be about work, life, or something you're not even aware of.

It's something that even I don't fully understand.

I believe that noise is natural and not necessarily a bad thing.

When we coexist with this noise.

I guess this is when things are going well.

At times like this, my hands move before I think, and I am sometimes surprised by it.

I think that what has been building up inside of me suddenly takes shape and appears.

* Yamada pours the slurry (a liquid mixture containing minerals, etc.)

--On the other hand, are there times when you feel tired?

I don't feel like it's too hard.

It can be a hassle (lol)

But if I don't do it, I won't move forward, so I have no choice but to do it.

It may seem obvious, but this is a job where you can't move forward unless you get your hands dirty, so I just feel like I should give it a go.

And I basically work alone.

You have no choice but to take action yourself.

On the other hand, I think that because I work alone, I'm able to maintain my own pace.

So I guess I don't feel a lot of stress.

--Please give a message to young people who are into pottery.

Pottery is a job that can be started by one person.

I think the barrier to getting started is low.

If you continue for a while, you will acquire the skills and anyone will be able to make it.

But it's quite difficult to keep it up all the time.

As you become more capable, there will come a time when you no longer know what you wanted to do.

The opinions and evaluations of those around you can make it difficult to see yourself.

Even in times like these, it's important to keep asking yourself, "What am I thinking?" and "What do I like?"

It's easy to get started, but I think you need a core to continue.

-Finally, please tell us about your future challenges.

Of course, I think, "This is good, isn't it?", but I also want it to be something that the recipient will actively respond to.

I would be delighted if I could create a piece of pottery that gently stimulates the senses.

This ties back to what I said earlier, but I think the things I want to make will change as I continue.

This is my answer at the moment, but my answer may be different in the future.

But that's okay, I think.

I still feel like I'm still searching.

It's hard to find them as you get older (laughs).

Maybe this constant search for something is what keeps me creating.

Yamada is once again facing the soil, breathing in the mountain air of Shigaraki.

These vessels are born freely, entrusted to the flame and without being too determined in shape.

Each one was unpretentious and natural, and felt like an alter ego of Yamada.