[Ceramic artist: Akira Okuda interview part 2] Forward, forward

——I get the impression that many of your works are based on black and white.

We believe that tableware is a tool that enhances the flavor of food.

So it's best not to be too assertive.

I want to create dishes that are as simple as possible so that the colorful ingredients can stand out.

Also, I think the appeal of Shigaraki ware lies in the clay.

Therefore, as a Shigaraki ware kiln, we are conscious of preserving the individuality of the clay.

Clay can be broadly divided into white and black, and I feel that the quality of the material comes through more naturally if the color is not too assertive.

- When do inspiration strike during the production process?

I am influenced by various things every day, and rather than immediately putting them into form, I let them build up inside me.

It feels like it's matured and then suddenly comes out.

Strangely enough, I often finish the piece while I'm asleep.

It is created in my dreams. I think about it all the time, but when I take a break from thinking, the answer appears.

- How do you deal with situations when things aren't going well with production?

With pottery, things overwhelmingly don't go as planned.

I believe that in the first place, a perfect score of 100 is not possible in this world.

So instead of avoiding failure, we make mistakes and find our way back.

Of course, it's nice when things go well, but in fact, you learn a lot when you fail.

- What moments bring you joy as a potter?

There aren't many tough moments.

More than anything, what makes me happiest is when customers say, "It was great" or "I bought some more."

The good thing about social media is that you can receive these kinds of reactions even when you're far away.

Customer feedback is a major driving force.

——Please tell us about your upcoming challenges.

Thankfully, it is being used by many people in homes and restaurants.

I would like to continue to share my work with more people.

With the development of social media, the world is becoming closer and closer, so from now on I would like people all over the world to be able to experience my work.

--Please give us a message for young ceramic artists.

I think there is a lot of uncertainty in the world of traditional crafts: will your work be recognized? Will you be able to make a decent living?

I think people who have never had pottery in their lives before will be especially anxious.

However, if you study hard and acquire the skills, your anxiety will gradually fade away.

Technology never betrays you, and it will support you as much as you accumulate experience.

In fact, people who gained experience in my studio are now active in the world of pottery.

There are no shortcuts in the world of craftsmen, so in the end you just have to keep going.

I think the most important thing is to have the mental strength to keep trying and not give up even when you fail.

 - You are planning a large event called the Shigaraki Potters' Market event. How did that come about?

It was a small event that I started with some friends with the desire to liven up Shigaraki, but now it has grown into an event that attracts more people every year than the population of Shigaraki.

I want good things, I want to encounter good things.

I want to deliver works of genuine value to customers who feel this way.

So rather than just attracting people, we place importance on clearly demonstrating the value of the work.

No proper sales.

Properly communicating the background and thoughts behind a work is important because I believe it stabilizes the creator's livelihood and leads to the next project.

To be honest, it can be tough to run an event while also doing your own job.

Still, we move forward, forward.

I would be happy if what we have accumulated together could one day lead to the future of Shigaraki.

As an artist, a craftsman, a manager, and an event organizer.

Despite having many different faces, Okuda Akira continues to move forward without stopping.

At the heart of this attitude is a sincere desire to enrich someone's daily life even just a little through pottery and bring smiles to their faces.

A quiet space to spend time facing the soil and a lively space to connect with people.

I felt that Okuda's path of valuing both of these things will make Shigaraki's future brighter.